An update on the use of an arterial closure device following femoral arterial puncture in children.

<bold>Background: </bold>The use of arterial closure devices in achieving femoral hemostasis has been well documented in adults but insufficiently studied in the pediatric population. An earlier study from our institution of 40 Angio-Seal devices in 38 patients concluded that the arterial closure device is safe in children with only a single minor complication. Ongoing experience with this device at our institution, however, suggests a higher rate of complication.<bold>Objective: </bold>To retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Angio-Seal in a pediatric population.<bold>Materials and Methods: </bold>A retrospective analysis reviewed all cases in which the Angio-Seal was deployed from June 2011 to September 2017. Peri-procedural documentation was reviewed for pre-procedure labs, clinical effectiveness in achieving hemostasis and complications related to the use of this device. Logistic regression analysis was also used to evaluate the relationship between patient demographic, vessel size and indication for angiography, and the presence or absence of complications.<bold>Results: </bold>During the study period, 48 additional Angio-Seal devices were deployed in 41 consecutive patients. Five patients were excluded for being older than 18 years. The mean age of the patients was 13.3 years (range: 4-18 years) with 18 patients female. The mean common femoral artery diameter was 5.98 mm in short axis diameter (range: 4-9 mm). Complications were present in 6/43 cases (14%) including 3 minor and 3 major complications that included additional procedures. No significant relationship was identified between vessel size, age and the indication for angiography, and the rate of complication on logistic regression analysis.<bold>Conclusion: </bold>While percutaneous arterial closure devices can be efficacious for achieving hemostasis, our experience demonstrates a higher rate of complications in children, contrary to a previous report. The deployment of such devices should be performed with prejudice in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]