Management of infected femoral closure devices

An increase in infectious complications has been noted with the introduction of percutaneous femoral artery closure devices. We report five cases of infected groins and/or femoral arteries following angiographic procedures that were completed using the Perclose Suture Mediated Closure Device (Perclose). Each patient required drainage of the abscess and removal of the Perclose suture. Most patients required more extensive vascular reconstructive procedures. When these complications arise, we recommend expeditious drainage of the abscess, removal of the suture, and adequate exposure of the femoral artery to facilitate repair of the vessel. (C) 2002 The International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.