Short- and Midterm Results of the Fascia Suture Technique for Closure of Femoral Artery Access Sites After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

Purpose: To evaluate the midterm outcomes and potential risk factors associated with the fascia suture technique (FST) for closure of femoral artery access sites after percutaneous endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Methods: Between April 2007 and April 2008, 100 consecutive EVAR cases were evaluated retrospectively. A third of the procedures were emergent (16 ruptured aneurysms). Of the 187 femoral access sites, 160 (85.5%) were closed by the FST as a first choice. Pre- and postoperative chart and imaging data were collected from computerized medical records for analysis of demographics and the rate of complications (bleeding, infection, thrombosis, pseudoaneurysms, and stenosis). Preoperative risk factors for FST failure were analyzed with regard to obesity (based on the subcutaneous fat layer), plaque at the femoral access site, and stenosis based on the pre- and 1-year postoperative computed tomography scans. Results: Of the 160 FST closures, 146 (91.3%) were technically successful. The 14 (8.8%) technical failures were converted to open cutdown intraoperatively because of bleeding (11, 6.8%), inadequate limb perfusion (2, 1.2%), and a broken guidewire (1, 0.6%). Two (1.2%) pseudoaneurysms required surgical repair after 2 weeks. Data from the 1-year follow-up showed no signs of increased stenosis, thrombosis, or formation of plaque. Nine small (<1 cm(3)) pseudoaneurysms were detected and managed conservatively. No preoperative risk factors were associated with FST failure. Conclusion: The fascia suture technique seems to be safe, effective, and simple to use for closing percutaneous access sites after EVAR. Complications are rare, and the outcome is not affected by obesity, femoral calcification, or femoral artery stenosis. J Endovasc Ther. 2011;18:789-796