Vacuum-assisted closure complicated by erosion and hemorrhage of the anterior tibial artery.

We report an erosion and hemorrhage of a left anterior tibial artery associated with a vacuum-assisted closure device. To our knowledge, this report represents the first arterial erosion associated with a vacuum-assisted closure device. We estimate our patient lost 6 units of blood. The hemorrhage was complicated by anticoagulation and a traumatic setting. Based on our complication, we believe great care should be taken when placing a vacuum-assisted closure device adjacent to an exposed artery.