Complications of arterial closure devices.

As of July 2000, there were 4 closure devices with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. The devices are successfully deployed in 89% to 98% of cases, and the complication rates are comparable to those seen with manual compression. Minor access site complications are defined as bleeding not requiring transfusion or surgical repair, hematoma (<5 cm), and pain at the puncture site. Major complications include hematoma (>5 cm), bleeding at the site requiring transfusion, pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, retroperitoneal hemorrhage, plug embolization, groin infection, and death. Copyright 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.