Comparison of Arterial and Venous Blood Flow Between Patients with Pressure Dressing or a New Hemostatic Puncture Closure Device After Cardiac Catheterization

The aim of the study was to compare arterial and venous flow volume in the punctured leg in patients given a conventional pressure dressing and those given a new hemostatic puncture closure device (Angio-Seal) after cardiac catheterization. We prospectively measured blood flow in 25 patients with pressure dressing (group A) and 25 patients with Angio-Seal (group B) after cardiac catheterization. Duplex sonographic measurements were performed at the superficial femoral artery and vein of the punctured leg. In group A measurements were performed before catheterization, during pressure dressing, and after removal of pressure dressing. In group B we performed the measurements before catheterization and after closure of the puncture site with Angio-Seal. Mean arterial and venous blood flow of the superficial femoral artery and vein were calculated. Statistical evaluation was performed using the one-sample Wilcoxon test. In group A there was a significant reduction of blood flow volume in both the femoral artery, from a mean of 119 mL/min before puncture to 78 mL/min with pressure dressing, and the femoral vein, from 114 mL/min before puncture to 82 mL/min with pressure dressing (P < 0.0001). After removal of pressure dressing the blood flow rose to 119 mL/min in the femoral artery and 116 mL/min in the femoral vein. In group B there was no change in flow volume before and after catheterization (femoral artery: 117 vs 118 mL/min, femoral vein 119 vs 120 mL/min, P = ns). We conclude that the use of pressure dressing after cardiac catheterization caused a significant reduction in arterial and venous blood flow (about 30%) during immobilization. The new Angio-Seal closure device did not affect arterial or venous flow.