Vascular complications after hemostatic puncture closure device (Angio-Seal) are not higher in overweight patients.

BACKGROUND

Angio-Seal (Daig Corporation, Minnetonka, Minnesota) allows earlier discharge from the hospital after coronary angiography. Manual compression in overweight patients after percutaneous procedures is associated with a higher incidence of groin complications. The purpose of this study was to determine if a vascular closure device could be safely used without increasing the risk of vascular complications in overweight patients.

METHODS

A total of 198 patients who received the 6 French Angio-Seal device after diagnostic coronary angiography were divided into 3 groups. Group A included patients with a body mass index (BMI) of < or = 25, group B with BMI between 25 and 30, and group C with BMI > or = 30. Patients were followed for groin complications during their hospital stay.

RESULTS

Complication rates were comparable between the 3 groups. Groin complications occurred in 11% in group A, 5% in group B and 6% in group C.

CONCLUSION

After diagnostic cardiac catheterization, a vascular closure device such as Angio-Seal can be safely used in overweight patients.