Study comparing sutures and nonpenetrating titanium clips for arteriotomy closure after embolectomy

Background: The vascular closure staple (VCS) clip applier system is an alternative to suture for closing arteriotomies and performing vascular anastomoses. This study was designed to evaluate the possible advantages of its use in closing arteriotomies after embolectomy. Methods: In this study, 26 patients with upper or lower extremity embolism underwent embolectomy, and the arteriotomy was closed using either VCS clips (group A) or sutures (group B). Results: The time required for arteriotomy closure with clips (11.2 ± 2.7s) was considerably shorter than the time required with sutures (241.2 ± 48.7s; p < 0.0001), resulting also in shorter clamp times (380.8 ± 127.3s vs 612.7 ± 112.6 s; p < 0.0001). No hemodynamically significant stenoses or pseudoaneurysms were detected at the arteriotomy sites in any of the patients up to 1 year after embolectomy. Conclusions: The VCS clip applier system, a quick and easy method for closing arteriotomies, is as safe as sutures in terms of narrowing of the artery and formation of pseudoaneurysm.