A new access site management tool: the Angio-Seal hemostatic puncture closure device

Given the increasing number of percutaneously applied endovascular therapies, the incidence of access-related vascular complications can be expected to rise, particularly in association with those techniques requiring large sheaths or anticoagulation. The need exists for a safe, easy to use, and effective hemostatic technique to replace the labor-intensive method of manual compression.

A bioabsorbable, sheath-delivered vascular device (Angio-Seal) has been developed that deposits a small collagen plug within the arterial wall to mechanically seal the puncture defect. An anchor connected by suture to the plug is first deployed in the arterial lumen and pulled flush against the interior wall to guard against intraluminal deposition of the collagen.

The Angio-Seal device was deployed successfully in 80 (96%) of 83 attempts involving common femoral arteries accessed for peripheral angioplasty (n = 30), coronary angiography (n = 30), and coronary angioplasty (n = 16). Three popliteal artery access sites and one femoropopliteal bypass graft were also treated. Hemostasis was immediate in 78 cases (98%); 2 sites required a 5-minute manual compression to effect a secure seal. Three devices failed to deploy, and manual pressure was used to close the puncture. Nondeployment did not cause any sequelae, and no complications were encountered with the technique.

This novel vascular closure device is quick (< 1 minute application time) and simple to use, providing a positive seal of common femoral artery puncture sites for both peripheral and coronary interventions. It appears to be a reliable alternative to standard manual hemostasis.