Re-access complication with a Starclose device.

Diagnostic cardiac catheterizations are predominantly performed using access through the femoral artery. To improve patient comfort and early mobilization, a number of percutaneous closure devices have been developed. One such device using the nitinol clip was developed by Abbott Vascular Devices and was approved for use on the basis of the results of the Clip Closure In Percutaneous Procedures (CLIP) study. The safety of repuncture through a previously deployed device has not been established in humans. We present the case of a patient who had an arterial line placed for post-operative monitoring after cardiac surgery at the site of a previous arteriotomy closed with the Starclose device. The catheter traversed through the central portion, tethered to the periphery of the ninitol clip, and required surgery for extraction. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.