[Vascular complications at the femoral access: impact of the percutaneous closure device Perclose].

Introduction: Vascular complications at the femoral access site is an important factor of morbidity. The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the percutaneous closure device (Perclose) during interventional cardiology procedures.

Patients And Methods: All patients with percutaneous closure of the femoral access site by the Perclose system in 2010 were included. We evaluated the indications of the procedures, the success rate of implantation and the bleeding complications according to antithrombotic therapy used.

Results: Three hundred and seventy five patients underwent a percutaneous closure by the Perclose system. Acute coronary syndromes with or without elevation of ST segment were the main indications of procedures (74.9%). The success rate of percutaneous closure of the femoral access site was 97.3%. The rate of minor, moderate, and severe bleeding of the entire cohort according to the GUSTO classification was respectively 4.2%, 0.5% and 1%. Bleeding complications were similar in both groups of patients (2.1% vs 7% P=0.122). In case of unsuccessful deployment of femoral closure devices, the risk of bleeding complications range from 4.3% to 60% (P=0.0000036).

Conclusion: The use of the Perclose system is associated with a low rate of severe bleeding at the femoral access site. However, the failures of percutaneous closure increase the risk of bleeding complications.