Alternative to the finger in the dike: use of the vascular closure button to control postdialysis bleeding in a haemodialysis access conduit. Issue 11 (17th September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sacchetti, Alfred; Hennessey, Adam; Shannon, Brian
• Is Part Of: Emergency medicine journal. Volume 36:Issue 11(2019)
• Page Start: 684
• Page End: 685
• Publication Date: 2019-09-17
• Subjects: renal -- vascular-arterial -- Invasive; Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; 616.02505
• DOI: 10.1136/emermed-2019-208762
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-0205

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: The purpose of this case series is to describe the application of a vascular closure button (VCB) for the repair of haemodialysis access bleeding. The VCB's main function is not to assist in bleeding control, but instead to provide easy access for removal of tightly placed sutures in the repair. Methods: A retrospective review of patients undergoing ED repair of persistent bleeding from puncture sites in haemodialysis access conduits (HACs) using a VCB was conducted. Study patients were collected from ED visits to Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center in Camden, New Jersey, USA, between May 2013 and August 2017. Patients were followed until the time of definitive repair of the underlying pathology or until the end of the study period. Results: Seventeen VCBs were used to control persistent bleeding from HACs in the ED. Sixteen bleeds were the result of recent haemodialysis punctures, while one was from a bleeding site ulcer. All repairs were successful at controlling the bleeding with preserved HAC function in the ED and no delayed thrombosis. Follow-up time ranged from 1 day to 778 days. Conclusion: Vascular control buttons provide an effective means to control HAC postdialysis bleeding and allow for ease of suture removal without disruption of a repair with no long-term complications.