Femstops

[zambezi]

How long does your unit leave femstops in place for on an uncomplicated groin after a line pull? We have just had some policy changes in our unit that some like and others don't, though i understand the reason for the change. We usually keep the femstop on for one to two hours depending on meds, other issues, etc then go to a ten pound sandbag. We used to keep the femstop on longer with no pressure other than that of the belt but our cardiologists (and the manufacturer, i think) states that for vasuclar reasons this is not good...what is everyone else doing?

[MisterDawg]

Hmmm....sounds like improper usage of a great device to me. As far as a torture device, I think the Femostop is much more comfortable to the patient than my fingers being thrust into their groin because it has more surface area and thus the pressure is more distributed. Some of the doctors here also use Perclose, etc. in the cath lab but that is not true for all the doctors or patients. And for those patients that do rebleed, it's hard to say whether they would have rebled or not, whether pressure was held digitally or with the Femostop. A small amount of antibiotic ointment (a VERY small amount) should be applied to the center of the Femostop before it is applied to prevent it sticking to the patient when it is time to be removed, usually 30 minutes later. If too much ointment is applied, the Femostop will not remain in proper placement during the procedure, again this points to improper usage. Also, the Femostop allows for more control because it frees my hands up to do other things for my patients....And as for back pain, offer your patients something for pain, because they will be flat for awhile....basic nursing care.

[smittybike]

Could I get a copy of your Policy?

[kc ccurn]

We've had great success with the femstop..no more sandbags for use-you can't see the site. We've done the c-clamp (hate it), manual and femstop. If we have a rebleed with the femstop then we'll hold manual pressure then place the femstop back on at a higher pressure and titrate it down as we are able to.