Peripheral embolism of hemostasis collagen (VasoSeal)

: VasoSeal is a purified bovine, absorbable collagen plug currently successfully used to close the femoral arterial puncture site after cardiac catheterization under full anticoagulation. Up to now there has been no experience with potential complications. We observed acute ischemia in the right lower leg of 2/100 patients 36 resp. 24 h after successful closure of the puncture site with VasoSeal. Angiography confirmed acute occlusion of the distal A. poplitea dextra. A 25-mm resp. 50-mm long cylindrical foreign body embolus was removed with a Fogarty-catheter by retrograde indirect embolectomy. Histopathology confirmed a fresh collagen clot with appositional thrombosis.