Endovascular Management of Common Femoral Artery Occlusion Caused by Suture-mediated Vascular Closure Devices: A Single-Center Experience

Abstract

Objective

Vascular closure devices (VCDs) are frequently employed to achieve hemostasis at the femoral puncture site, offering an alternative to traditional manual compression. However, a rare yet significant complication is common femoral artery (CFA) occlusion caused by suture-mediated VCDs. The optimal management of this complication remains unclear, with open surgical repair traditionally regarded as the standard of care. This paper aims to share our clinical experience in managing CFA occlusions caused by suture-mediated VCDs and to introduce our preferred endovascular treatment strategy.

Methods

At our institution, approximately 250 femoral artery hemostasis procedures using suture-mediated VCDs are performed annually. Over the past 10 years, we encountered 6 cases of CFA occlusion following the use of such devices. This corresponds to an incidence rate of approximately 0.24%. In all cases, endovascular management was selected as the primary treatment modality over open surgical intervention. Our endovascular approach consisted of initial balloon angioplasty, with adjunctive stenting performed when residual stenosis exceeded 50%.

Results

Endovascular treatment was technically successful in all 6 cases, with no major procedural complications. The mean degree of stenosis prior to balloon angioplasty was 91.9%, including 3 cases of long segmental occlusion. Balloon angioplasty alone was sufficient in 4 cases, while the remaining 2 required additional stenting to address significant residual stenosis. Final angiography demonstrated an average residual stenosis of 25.1%. During the follow-up period (mean duration: 37.8 months), no patients reported symptoms of lower extremity ischemia.

Conclusion

This case series highlights the feasibility and efficacy of endovascular management as a first-line approach for CFA occlusion caused by suture-mediated VCDs. When diagnosis is delayed, long segmental occlusion with considerable thrombus burden may limit the effectiveness of balloon angioplasty alone, necessitating adjunctive stenting. Therefore, timely diagnosis and intervention are essential to optimize outcomes in these cases.