Comparison of complications in femoral artery puncture with or without heparin

AIM: To evaluate the safety of non-heparin administration in coronary angiography through femoral access. METHODS: A total of 300 patients underwent coronary angiography and were randomly divided into two groups. Complications that included hematoma, fistula, pseudoaneurysm, retroperitoneal hemorrhage, thrombotic occlusion and vasovagal reaction were recorded, respectively. RESULTS: No thrombotic occlusion was seen in either group, but heparin group had a higher rate of complications and hemorrhage than in the non-heparin group (P<0.05, 12% and 2%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Angiography using femoral artery access without heparin is a safe procedure and decreases puncture complications after sheath removal.