Effects of Sandbag-Free Follow-up After Manual Compression in Patients Who Underwent Transfemoral Access for Percutaneous Intervention

Objective: Femoral access site complications (ASC) are frequent yet significant conditions associated with percutaneous intervention procedures that affect patient-physician comfort. In this study, we compared ASC rates between patients who received compression with a sandbag, the standard practice in many clinics, and patients monitored solely with bedrest without sandbag compression.

Methods: This study included patients undergoing any transfemoral percutaneous intervention (mostly coronary interventions) between April 2019 and May 2023 at our clinic. Patients were classified into two groups: those monitored without a sandbag (n = 160) and those with a sandbag (n = 158). ASC rates (ecchymosis, pseudoaneurysm, hematoma, bleeding) were compared between the two groups.

Results: No differences were observed between the two groups in gender, age, sheath size, and bed rest times. Complications were observed in 16.9% (n = 27) of patients without sandbags and 25.3% (n = 40) of patients with sandbags. The most common complication was ecchymosis, seen in 10.6% (n = 17) of the no-sandbag group and 13.9% (n = 22) of the sandbag group.

Conclusion: Following manual compression after femoral sheath removal, patients receiving bedrest without sandbag use are less likely to develop ASC. Additionally, dismissing sandbag use leads to a significant increase in patient comfort.

Keywords: Access site complications, percutaneous intervention, sandbag, transfemoral access