Groin dressing after cardiac catheterization. Comparison Between light dressing with thin transparent tape (Tegaderm®) and conventional tight/pressure dressing with an elastic adhesive bandage (Tensoplast®)

Abstract

Post cardiac catheterization puncture site care is usually done with a tight pressure dressing by an elastic adhesive bandage (Tensoplast®) due to the belief that it should prevent bleeding. The practice is uncomfortable to the patients. The authors compared a new way of dressing using light transparent tape (Tegaderm®) to the conventional tight pressure one. 126 post coronary angiography patients were randomized to have their groins dressed either with Tensoplast® or with Tegaderm®. Patients ambulated 8 hours after the procedures. The groin was evaluated for pain, discomfort and bleeding complications. 49 per cent in the Tensoplast® vs 26.9 per cent in the Tegaderm® group experienced pain (p value of 0.01). 55.5 per cent in the Tensoplast® group vs 11.1 per cent in the Tegaderm® group reported discomfort. 4.7 per cent in the Tensoplast® vs 1.6 per cent in the Tegaderm® group developed bleeding or hematoma. Dressing of the puncture site after cardiac catheterization with Tegaderm® was more comfortable than the conventional Tensoplast® without any difference in bleeding complications.