Vasoseal (R) after intra-aortic balloon pump removal: A pilot study

Vascular complications after removal of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) have been reported to occur in up to 15% of patients. Vasoseal, a vascular hemostasis device (VHD), has been shown to be safe and effective in rapidl y achieving hemostasis after a cardiac catheterization or percutaneous coro nary intervention. We propose that similar results can be obtained with the VHD when removing an IABP. However, it is necessary to first gain first th e experience of deploying the VHD without insertion of a guidewire. We stud ied 10 patients in whom Vasoseal was utilized after an IABP was removed. Th e primary endpoint was a composite of major or minor bleeding, infection, a nd any vascular complication at 7 days. The time to achieve hemostasis was also assessed. There was not a single episode of bleeding, infection, or va scular injury at 7 days. The time to hemostasis ranged between 8 and 17 min (mean, 12.9 min). This VHD can be utilized safely and efficaciously when r emoving an IABP. Cathet Cardiovasc. Intervent 50: 495-497, 2000. (C) 2000 W iley-Liss, Inc.