Day-case peripheral angioplasty using nurse-led admission, discharge, and follow-up procedures: arterial closure devices are not necessary

Aim

To audit the safety of day-case peripheral arterial intervention without the use of arterial-closure devices using nurse-led admission, discharge, and follow-up procedures.

Materials and methods

Patients referred for elective, peripheral vascular intervention were selected for day-case care according to pre-determined criteria using telephone triage. Post-procedure haemostasis was achieved using manual compression. After 3h bed-rest, patients were mobilized and discharged at 5h. Patients were contacted by telephone next working day to audit complications.

Results

One hundred and eighty-three elective day-case peripheral interventions were performed over 2 years, predominantly using 6 F sheaths. No closure devices were used. Five patients (2%) returned to the department because of persistent groin symptoms the next day. One of these had a false aneurysm. Four required no further treatment. A single patient returned at day 6 with a delayed false aneurysm.

Conclusion

Day-case peripheral vascular intervention can be safely performed in appropriately selected patients without the use of arterial closure devices. Specialist radiology nurses have a major role in the counselling, care, and follow-up of these patients.