Purpose: To report the safety and efficacy of a clip device to close retrograde popliteal artery puncture sites used in recanalization of the superficial femoral artery (SFA).
Methods: From January 2005 to March 2007, 28 patients (20 men; mean age 66+/-10 years) with stable chronic peripheral artery disease were treated for chronic total SFA occlusion. All patients received aspirin and clopidogrel and were heparinized during the procedure. After failed antegrade recanalization, the SFA was revascularized via a retrograde transpopliteal access. The StarClose Vascular System was used to seal the popliteal artery puncture site.
Results: All (100%) interventions were finished successfully, and hemostasis was secured with the StarClose device in all cases. There was 1 (3.6%) major complication with the StarClose system: a transient popliteal artery occlusion induced by plaque shift during sheath removal, which was corrected with balloon angioplasty via the femoral access. Three (10.8%) small hematomas (<5 cm) occurred at the puncture site without causing significant patient discomfort.
Conclusion: In this small experience, the StarClose Vascular Closure System appeared to be an effective and safe sealing device after percutaneous transpopliteal interventions. Plaque shifting leading to stenosis or occlusion at the puncture site can occur.