COMPARISON OF ARTERIAL AND VENOUS-BLOOD FLOW BETWEEN PATIENTS WITH PRESSURE DRESSING OR A NEW HEMOSTATIC PUNCTURE CLOSURE DEVICE AFTER CARDIAC-CATHETERIZATION

The aim of the study was to compare arterial and venous flow volume in the punctured leg in patients given a conventional pressure dressing and those given a new hemostatic puncture closure device (Angio-Seal) after cardiac catheterization. We prospectively measured bloodflow in 25 patients with pressure dressing (group A) and 25 patients with Angi o-Seal (group B) after cardiac catheterization. Duplex sonographic mea surements were performed at the superficial femoral artery and vein of the punctured leg. In group A measurements were performed before cath eterization, during pressure dressing, and after-removal of pressure d ressing. In group B we performed the measurements before catheterizati on and after-closure of the puncture site with Angio-Seal. Mean arteri al and venous blood flow of the superficial femoral artery and vein we re calculated. Statistical evaluation was performed using the one-samp le Wilcoxon test. In group A there was a significant reduction of bloo dflow volume in both the femoral artery, from a mean of 119 mL/min bef ore puncture to 78 mL/min with pressure dressing, and the femoral vein , from 114 mL/min before puncture to 82 mL/min with pressure dressing (P < 0.0001). After removal of pressure dressing the bloodflow rose to 119 mL/min in the femoral artery and 116 mL/min in the femoral vein. in group B there was no change in flow volume before and after cathete rization (femoral artery: 117 vs 118 mL/min, femoral vein 119 vs 120 m L/min, P = ns). We conclude that the use of pressure dressing after ca rdiac catheterization caused a significant reduction in arterial and v enous blood flow (about 30%) during immobilization. The new Angio-Seal closure device did nor affect arterial or venous flow.