Techniques and Devices for Vascular Closure

Manual compression of the access site has historically been the gold-standard technique to achieve hemostasis following endovascular procedures. Today, vascular closure devices have largely supplanted manual compression as the most popular method, primarily due to their relative ease of use and reduced time to hemostasis and ambulation. In addition, these devices have overall been shown to have similar rates of complications to manual compression. As such, vascular closure devices serve as an essential tool in the armamentarium of any interventionist. In this chapter, various techniques and devices for vascular closure will be discussed, including their indications for use, pre-operative considerations, anticipated complications and management, and post-operative care. A general review of currently available devices, their mechanisms of action, and technical specifications will be provided.