Factors associated with groin complications post coronary intervention

Background: The American College of Cardiology (ACC) registry identifies a mean vascular complication rate of 1.4% post coronary intervention. Poor sheath removal technique, anticoagulant use, and patient characteristics have been associated with groin complications. Objectives: The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between nurse characteristics and femoral sheath removal complications post coronary intervention. Method: Using a retrospective descriptive design, the study examined 467 patients who underwent coronary intervention. Twenty-eight nurses were included. Data collected from the medical record included use of anticoagulants, access points and nurse demographic. Data collected also included patient complications as defined by the ACC. Results: Years in nursing, experience in pulling catheters, and multiple catheter changes were not associated with complications. The use of a combination of heparin and Integrilin during the procedure was associated with complications. Conclusions: No relationship was found between nurse characteristics and complications. Collaboration of all team members can help identify patients most at risk for complications. Consideration of alternative vascular access points or anticoagulants for these patients might be beneficial.