Pressure ulcer: An unreported complication of the Safeguard® device. No need to crack under pressure

Abstract

Diagnostic cardiac catheterizations are predominantly performed using the femoral artery access. Several devices have been developed to aid in the closure of femoral arte-riotomy. Safeguard® is a new pneumatic compression device that has been developed for compression of the femoral artery after brief manual compression. We hereby report the case of an elderly patient who underwent a percutaneous coronary intervention via the femoral artery in whom a Safeguard™ device, left overnight because of persistent oozing, provoked an extensive pressure ulcer. Knowledge of this potential complication is important to minimize its occurance and provide appropriate treatment. © C. Moretti et al., 2011.