The use of ultrasound to assist deployment of the StarClose vascular closure device in arterial access sites

Access site complication rates remain relatively high following interventional procedures and have not been shown to be reduced by the use of vascular closure devices. This report describes an ultrasound-assisted technique of deploying one type of vascular closure device, the StarClose (Abbott Vascular, Illinois, USA). This technique has significantly reduced failure rates and complication rates since its introduction. The technique is relatively simple but requires familiarity with the use of ultrasound and the StarClose device.