M. Gwechenberger et al., USE OF A COLLAGEN PLUG VERSUS MANUAL COMPRESSION FOR SEALING ARTERIALPUNCTURE SITE AFTER CARDIAC-CATHETERIZATION, Angiology, 48(2), 1997, pp. 121-126
The aim of the study was to investigate (1) the safety and efficacy of
the application of a collagen plug (Vasoseal(R)) at arterial puncture
sites, (2) the hemostasis time, and (3) the comfort for the patient o
f a collagen plug (Vasoseal(R)) when compared with manual compression.
Sixty-two patients were randomized either for application of a collag
en plug (Vasoseal(R), group A, n=33) or manual compression (group B, n
=29) after cardiac catheterization. All patients were evaluated for su
bjective pain score ranging from 1 to 5 (1=no pain up to 5=very strong
pain). In addition the authors measured the time until hemostasis cou
ld be achieved. The patients were evaluated by duplex sonography for c
omplications at days 1 and 7 after the procedure. The pain score demon
strated a significantly lower score in group A when compared with grou
p B (P=0.01). The mean time for hemostasis was significantly lower in
group A (mean 9.6 minutes) when compared with group B (mean 23.6 minut
es) (P=0.0001). Regarding the complication rate there was no significa
nt difference between the groups (group A vs group B, P=0.82). The aut
hors conclude that the application of a collagen plug at the arterial
puncture site is a safe and time-saving method. In addition it is less
painful and therefore better tolerated than manual compression.