Post-stent management with a pneumatic groin compression device and self injected low molecular weight heparin.

BACKGROUND: The benefits of intracoronary stent implantation are offset by an increased risk of complications at the arterial puncture site and a prolonged hospital stay. Much of this morbidity can be attributed to the generally perceived need to achieve systemic anticoagulation after stent implantation. AIM: To test a simplified protocol for post-stent management using the Femostop pneumatic groin compression device and low molecular weight (fractionated) heparin (LMWH) administered by subcutaneous injection. PATIENTS: A case series of 100 consecutive patients, with stable angina pectoris, undergoing coronary stenting for a suboptimal result after conventional balloon angioplasty.
METHODS: All patients were managed with a new post-stent protocol using the Femostop pneumatic groin compression device and LMWH. The incidence of complications and the length of hospital stay were recorded.
RESULTS: The clinical course was uncomplicated in 92 patients and their discharge from hospital was achieved on the first post-procedural day for 44 patients and on the second for the remaining 48. The rate of vascular or bleeding complications was 6%.
CONCLUSIONS: LMWH administered by subcutaneous injection may provide a practical and effective alternative to the use of intravenous heparin when systemic anticoagulation is used after stent implantation.