New closure device shortens angio bed rest

Angioplasty could soon become a same-day procedure for some patients, thanks to an innovative percutaneous closure device recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. With Prostar, surgeons are able to close artery punctures with stitches so small they stop bleeding even though the blood is anticoagulated.¹ Patients can safely be up and walking two hours after angioplasty instead of the typical 12.

Before Prostar became available, the femoral artery was typically closed by applying direct pressure to the access site for 15-60 minutes so a blood clot could form. Immobility was necessary for 4 to 8 hours following removal of compression.

^Reference

1. Carere RG, Webb JG, Ahmed T, et al. Initial experience using Prostar, a new device for percutaneous suture-mediated closure of arterial puncture sites. Catheterization and Cardiovascular Diagnosis 1996; 37:367-372.