Interventional therapy of vascular complications caused by the hemostatic puncture closure device Angio-Seal

The hemostatic puncture closure device Angio-Seal is a quick, safe, and eas y-to-use system, allowing rapid sealing of the vascular access site followi ng coronary angiography and interventional procedures. It is advantageous f or patients in whom early mobilization is desired and may therefore decreas e hospital costs, Despite the documented low complication rate, there are s ome specific problems. Reporting on five cases, we describe problems in dia gnosis and possible interventional therapy of Angio-Seal-associated complic ations such as stenosis, occlusion, or peripheral embolism. Our experience led to the concept of precise diagnosis in any patient with leg symptoms an d early interventional treatment with the aim of complete removal of the in tra-arterial parts of the Angio-Seal device. Any delay in diagnosis and tre atment increases the risk of additional thrombotic occlusion. Spontaneous d issolution of the Angio-Seal sponge limits interventional possibilities of complete removal. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.