Hemostatic puncture closure devices approved

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved marketing of Angio-Seal, a hemostatic puncture closure device developed by Sherwood-Davis and Geck, a division of American Home Products Corp. in St. Louis. The device is the first to combine a mechanical and biochemical method to close puncture sites in arteries following catheterization or balloon angioplasty. The physician places the absorbable collagen/anchor closure system directly on the puncture site.

The device reduces the need for extended direct pressure on the site and allows patients to begin moving around sooner after their surgery. The makers claim cost savings through reduced physician time to close puncture sites as well as reduced equipment and supplies costs.

Paul Corso, MD, FACS, FACC, director of cardiac surgery, Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving St., NW, Washington, DC 20010-2975. Telephone: (202) 291-1430.

Mercedes Dullum, MD, FACS, FACC, senior cardiac attending surgeon, Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving St., NW, Washington, DC 20010-2975. Telephone: (202) 291-1430.

Tom Baughman, director of marketing, CardioThoracic Systems, 10600 N. Tantau Ave., Cupertino, CA 95014. Telephone: (408) 342-1700.

Mark Scott, director of cath lab, Columbia (SC) Providence Heart Institute. Telephone: (803) 256-5964.

Roger J. Laham, MD, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston. Telephone: (617) 667-5628.

Donald Baim, MD, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston. Telephone: (617) 667-5628.

Tamme Hafer, MS, RN, administrative director of cardiac and emergency services, Kettering (OH) Medical Center. Telephone: (937) 298-4331, Ext. 5766.

Jeff Morneault, MBA, manager of cardiac diagnostic and treatment services, Kettering (OH) Medical Center. Telephone: (937) 298-4331, Ext. 5766.

Leslie Holmberg, heart disease prevention coordinator, St. Joseph’s Health Center, 301 Prospect Ave., Syracuse, NY 13203-1898. Telephone: (315) 448-5111.