Use of a percutaneous arterial suture device (Perclose) in patients undergoing percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty.

Percutaneous balloon aortic valvuloplasty has been used as a therapeutic option for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are not candidates for aortic valve replacement. This procedure has been limited by both the high rate of aortic valve restenosis and high procedural morbidity related chiefly to the large femoral arteriotomies required. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and vascular complication rate using the "Preclose" technique in patients undergoing balloon aortic valvuloplasty. We evaluated the immediate and 30-day results in 18 consecutive patients undergoing this procedure. Angiographically significant peripheral vascular disease was present in 39% of cases. Aortic balloon dilation produced significant decreases in the mean aortic valve pressure gradient from 55 +/- 20 mmHg to 30 +/- 22 mmHg (P < 0.001). Closure of the arteriotomy with an 8F (10F in 1 case) Perclose device led to immediate hemostasis in all patients. Perclose of the contralateral femoral arterial site with a 6F device was attempted in 50%, all of which were successful. The mean length of bed rest was 4.5 +/- 0.9 hr. No procedural was observed. No patient had a local vascular complication, and no patient required blood product transfusion after the procedure. The use of the "Preclose" technique for closure of femoral arteriotomies after balloon aortic valvuloplasty is feasible and associated with a low rate of periprocedural and short-term vascular complications. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.