Purse string suture for rapid access hemostasis after removal of large-caliber femoral venous delivery sheaths in children with atrial septal defects.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of purse-string sutures (PSS) compared with manual compression for access hemostasis in children with atrial septal defects (ASDs) after large-caliber venous delivery sheaths removal.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective clinical data review of 271 children with ASDs who underwent transcatheter device closure through large-caliber venous delivery sheaths (≥ 8 Fr) at our institution from January 2018 to January 2023. The PSS group (n = 144) was compared to the control group (n = 127), which underwent manual compression for femoral venous hemostasis after sheath removal, focusing on hemostatic time, limb braking time, bed rest time, hospital stay, and vascular access complications. Two days post-catheterization, the sutures were taken out and a vascular ultrasound found the evidence of thrombosis, embolism, or venous narrowing.

Results: Compared to the control group, the PSS group had significantly shorter average hemostatic time (4.63 ± 1.95 min vs. 19.69 ± 5.64 min), limb braking time (6.83 ± 2.25 h vs. 13.45 ± 2.87 h), and bed rest time (8.69 ± 1.43 h vs. 22.93 ± 2.24 h) (all, p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in hospital stay and complications between the two groups.

Conclusions: The PSS is a simple, effective, and safe procedure that may play a valuable role in achieving rapid hemostasis after the removal of the large-caliber venous delivery sheaths in children. It allows earlier mobilization, reduces bed rest time, and alleviates discomfort compared to manual compression.