Suture-mediated closure of antegrade femoral arteriotomy following infrainguinal intervention.

Antegrade femoral arterial access has been less commonly adopted for infrainguinal intervention due to increased risk of retroperitoneal hemorrhage secondary to noncompressibility of arteriotomy site. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of suture-mediated closure of antegrade femoral arteriotomy using the Closer device. Twelve consecutive patients undergoing infrainguinal intervention (females, 5; mean body weight, 69 +/- 16 kg; limb threatening ischemia, 50%) underwent repair of the antegrade femoral arteriotomy immediately postprocedure using the Closer. Indications for antegrade access were excessive iliac tortuosity (6/12), long femoral artery occlusion (5/12), and bilateral aortoiliac bifurcation stents (1/12). The acute procedural success (immediate hemostasis without need for manual compression) was 100%. The mean time to ambulation was 3.9 +/- 1.5 hr and the procedure-related length of stay was 18 +/- 5.5 hr. In conclusion, repair of antegrade arterial puncture is safe and effective following infrainguinal intervention.