October 4th, 2010

Widespread Routine Use of Closure Devices Not Recommended

Arterial closure devices (ACDs) “have the potential to improve patient comfort,” but the current evidence isn’t sufficient to support routine use after cardiac catheterization, according to a scientific statement from the AHA published in Circulation. Led by Manesh Patel, the committee analyzed the data and concluded that although it is “reasonable” to consider using an ACD after catheterization, “the available evidence is limited to specific patient populations, often studied in nonrandomized fashion, without methodological follow-up and standardized clinical outcomes. This limits the widespread routine use of these devices in clinical practice.”

One Response to “Widespread Routine Use of Closure Devices Not Recommended”

  1. Really? If you need a cath, would you settle for a sand bag?