Femoral venous hemostasis in children using the technique of "figure-of-eight" sutures.

BACKGROUND: Structural heart interventions require the use of relatively large-diameter delivery sheaths or latex nylon net balloon catheters, which results in a relatively large-diameter venous puncture point. At present, femoral venous hemostasis is achieved by manual compression. A temporary figure-of-eight subcutaneous suture has been introduced to achieve immediate postprocedural femoral venous hemostasis after using a ≥24Fr sheath in an adult. This method is not well evaluated in children.

METHOD: We report our experience using this technique in children treated with 7-14Fr sheaths. From May 2009 to March 2012, 104 children (ages ranging from 3 to 10 years, mean 8.1 ± 1.6 years) with atrial septal defects (n = 86) and pulmonary valve stenosis (n = 18) underwent percutaneous transcatheter interventions. Sheath sizes used were ≥7Fr (7Fr, n = 5; 8Fr, n = 29; 9Fr, n = 14; 10Fr, n = 15; 12Fr, n = 19; 14Fr, n = 22).

RESULT: A total of 102 patients had immediate femoral vein hemostasis, and 2 developed a femoral vein hematoma requiring manual compression. One patient was diagnosed with a femoral artery pseudoaneurysm during hospitalization. On follow-up, there was no evidence of hematoma or thrombosis.

CONCLUSION: The "figure-of-eight" suture technique is effective and safe, achieving immediate hemostasis after the use of large femoral vein sheaths in children.