The Utilization of Single Versus Double Perclose Devices for Transfemoral Aortic Valve Replacement Access Site Closure: A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become widely recognized as a minimally invasive approach for aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic stenosis. It has been proven to be a safe and effective option for patients who are at low, intermediate, and prohibitive risk for surgical valve replacement. One of the critical components of procedural success in a transfemoral approach is access site management, as vascular complications strongly correlate with adverse outcomes. When major vascular complications occur, there are higher rates of major bleeding, transfusions, and renal failure requiring dialysis, as well as a significantly higher rate of 30-day and 1-year mortality. In recent years, a preclosure technique has emerged as a common vascular closure approach using a Perclose Proglide system (Abbott Vascular), in which sutures are deployed before dilating the arterial access site. This allows for arterial closure after dilation to sizing up to larger bore access sheaths that accommodate valve delivery systems. The sutures are subsequently harvested and tightened to close the large bore arteriotomy site at the end of the case. It has been demonstrated that the use of two Perclose devices, or double Perclose closure, is an effective closure technique with a low rate of vascular complications. A large number of TAVR centers have adopted this method for large-bore vascular closure. In the past, there have been few investigations comparing the utilization of a single Perclose device compared to a double Perclose technique. There are numerous theoretical advantages to the use of a single device, which include decreased procedural cost and procedural time. The investigation aimed to determine if there are clinical benefits as well using the single Perclose approach.
• Patients scheduled to undergo transfemoral TAVR were considered for inclusion in the trial if they met all inclusion and none of the exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria were an indication for TAVR as judged by the local heart team; selection of the transfemoral access route and a commercially available transcatheter aortic valve; and willingness to comply with protocol specified follow-up evaluations.