title: Groin hematoma after electrophysiological procedures-incidence and predisposing factors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We evaluated the incidence and predisposing factors of groin hematomas after electrophysiological (EP) procedures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, observational study, enrolling consecutive patients after EP procedures (Atrial fibrillation: n = 151; Supraventricular tachycardia/Diagnostic EP: n = 82; Ventricular tachycardia: n = 18). Patients underwent manual compression for 10 min and 3 h post procedural bed rest. AF ablations were performed with INR 2-3, ACT > 300, and no protamine sulfate. Adhesive pressure dressings (APDs) were used if sheath size ≥ 10F; procedural time > 120 min; and BMI > 30. Patient-reported hematomas were recorded by a telephone follow-up after 2 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Hematoma developed immediately in 26 patients (10%) and after 14 days significant hematoma was reported in 68 patients (27%). Regression analysis on sex, age, BMI 25, ACT 300, use of APD, sheath size and number, and complicated venous access was not associated with hematoma, either immediately after the procedure or after 14 days. Any hematoma presenting immediately after procedures was associated with patient-reported hematomas after 14 days, odds ratio 18.7 (CI 95%: 5.00-69.8; P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Any hematoma immediately after EP procedures was the sole predictor of patient-reported hematoma after 2 weeks. Initiatives to prevent groin hematoma should focus on the procedure itself as well as post-procedural care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Centre, Aalborg University Hospital , Aalborg , Denmark.
authors.forename: Anja Borgen
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Dalsgaard
authors.forename: Christina Spåbæk
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Jakobsen
authors.forename: Sam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Riahi
authors.forename: Søren
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hjortshøj
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000628:therapy*; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006119:Groin; D006406:Hematoma / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: ablation; femoral; groin; hematoma; predisposing factors