A comparison of arterial closure devices to manual compression in liver transplantation candidates undergoing coronary angiography

Whether arterial closure devices can be used safely in a coagulopathic population undergoing cardiac catheterization and at high risk for groin complications, such as liver transplant candidates, is unknown. In this prospective, non-randomized consecutive series of 80 liver transplant candidates undergoing coronary angiography, manual compression and arterial closure devices were compared. Iliofemoral angiography was performed to determine suitability for use of the closure device. Bleeding and vascular complications were recorded along with time to ambulation. Arterial closure devices were used in 31 patients (39%), whereas manual compression was used in 49 patients (50 procedures) (61%). There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to age, sex, cardiac risk factors, peripheral vascular disease, baseline platelet count or baseline INR. There were 10 total vascular complications out of 50 procedures (20%) in the manual compression group compared to 2 vascular complications out of 31 procedures in the arterial closure device group (6%; p = 0.12). The time to ambulation was significantly less in the group receiving arterial closure devices versus manual compression (4.2 ± 1.8 hours versus 6.6 ± 3.7 hours, respectively; p = 0.0003). In coagulopathic patients at higher risk for groin complications, arterial closure devices can be safely used and decrease time to ambulation compared to manual compression.