Percutaneous suture closure for brachial artery puncture.

Percutaneous suture closure for femoral artery hemostasis has gained broad use over the last few years since its introduction. The appeal of suture closure is the immediate and definitive hemostasis that it achieves, even in anticoagulated patients. Described is the use of the Perclose Techstar XL 6Fr suture closure device for the management of brachial artery puncture after diagnostic and therapeutic catheterization. A 6Fr Perclose Techstar device was used for hemostasis during ten procedures in eight patients. In addition, 6Fr and 7Fr sheaths were used. Hemostasis was achieved in all but one patient, in whom hemostasis was not achieved and surgical repair was necessary. The Perclose Techstar device is useful for selected patients for achieving brachial arterial puncture site hemostasis. The large excursion of the foot of the new closer device may not be as applicable in arteries as small as the brachial artery. Patients who are obese may be best suited for this approach.