What is the purpose of vascular closure devices?

• A. To prevent infection at the access site
• B. To seal the arteriotomy and achieve faster hemostasis and earlier ambulation after sheath removal
• C. To permanently occlude the artery
• D. To increase blood flow to the limb

Answer: (B)

Closing the arterial puncture quickly after sheath removal is what vascular closure devices are designed to do. They seal the arteriotomy so hemostasis is achieved fast, which allows the patient to ambulate sooner and return to normal activity sooner than with manual compression alone. These devices are meant to preserve arterial patency and provide rapid recovery after procedures that access an artery, such as the femoral or radial approach. They are not intended to prevent infection, permanently occlude the artery, or increase blood flow to the limb.