Prevention of Groin Vascular Complications Associated with Percutaneous Procedures

Groin vascular complications are frequent problems associated with percutaneous interventions. The potential for these problems may increase as more potent antiplatelet and anticoagulant regimens are tested and become more widely used. Prevention of these complications involves consideration of several factors including 1) technical factors of arterial entry; 2) early sheath removal; 3) careful monitoring of the patient after sheath removal; and 4) measurement of activated clotting time and 5) consideration of weight adjustment of heparin in selected patients in whom adjunctive medications are given. If local bleeding occurs, prompt evaluation is required to assess the site of bleeding, the reason for bleeding, and magnitude of hemodynamic compromise. Often local vascular complications can be treated without need for other invasive procedures. Prevention of vascular complications is essential to optimize the outcome of interventional cardiology care.