PCI complications: access site complications

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]

Vascular access site complications are common during cardiac catheterization and PCI, and local bleeding (a local hematoma formation) is the most common one. A thoughtful and systematic approach to the catheterization procedure decreases problems of access.

An old cathlab saying, Take time to evaluate and do it right the first time, should always be remembered.

Complications for vascular access can be divided into acute (during the insertion period or shortly after) or long term. Operators should have a thorough knowledge of the anatomy and of the potential complications from the procedure to identify and quickly treat any complications that may arise. Access through synthetic peripheral vascular grafts should be avoided if possible.

The femoral artery approach is the most frequent site of vascular access during invasive cardiac procedures. Possible vascular access routes are as follow:

• Axillary
• Brachial
• Femoral
• Radial (rarely used for cardiac catheterization, more common for diagnostic angiographies and percutaneous interventions)
• Subclavian (not used for cardiac catheterization)
• Translumbar (not used for cardiac catheterization)

• Brachial
• Femoral
• Internal jugular
• Subclavian

• Obesity
• Patients with high blood pressure
• Elderly
• Female gender
• Patients with aortic insufficiency
• Patients who undergone prior puncture
• Patients with advanced peripheral arteriosclerosis
• Patients who suffer from coagulopathy or those taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents
• Patients with excessive edema

• Local tissue trauma or damage (e.g., bleeding into surrounding tissues, nerve injury)
• Vascular damage (e.g., perforation, dissection)
• AV fistula: If the femoral artery and the vein are both used, arterial sheath should be removed first and then the venous one to decrease risk of arteriovenous fistula formation.
• Infection and sepsis: After hemostasis is obtained the access area should be cleaned with antiseptic solution.
• Aberrant catheter placement

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