Morphologic Features of Puncture Sites after ExoSeal Vascular Closure Device Implantation: Changes on Follow-Up Computed Tomography

Purpose The study aimed to evaluate the morphologic changes in transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) puncture sites implanted with an ExoSeal vascular closure device (VCD) using follow-up computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods 16 patients who used ExoSeal VCD after TACE were enrolled. Using CT images, the diameters and anterior wall thicknesses of the puncture sites in the common femoral artery (CFA) were compared with those of the contralateral CFA before TACE, at 1 month after every TACE session, and at the final follow-up period. The rates of complications were also evaluated. Results There were no puncture- or VCD-related complications. Follow-up CT images of the CFA's of patients who used ExoSeal VCDs showed eccentric vascular wall thickening with soft-tissue densities considered to be hemostatic plugs. Final follow-up CT images (mean, 616 days; range, 95–1106 days) revealed partial or complete resorption of the hemostatic plugs. The CFA puncture site diameters did not differ statistically from those of the contralateral CFA on the final follow-up CT (p > 0.05), regardless of the number of VCDs used. Conclusion Follow-up CT images of patients who used ExoSeal VCDs showed no significant vascular stenosis or significant vessel wall thickening.