Hybrid Suture- and Plug-Based Closure Versus Dual Suture Devices in Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Effective vascular closure is crucial in transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) to minimize access-related complications. Although dual suture-based closure is widely used, a hybrid approach combining suture- and plug-based vascular closure devices (VCD) has gained increasing attention. This meta-analysis compared these 2 strategies in terms of vascular outcomes and procedural success.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched through January 2025 for studies comparing suture-plus-plug–based vs suture-based VCD in TAVR patients. Primary outcomes were major and minor vascular complications, bleeding events, VCD failure, and unplanned interventions. Risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs were calculated.

Results

Six studies involving 2308 patients were included. The suture-plus-plug–based approach significantly reduced major vascular complications (RR, 0.50; P = .001), minor vascular complications (RR, 0.58; P < .00001), and VCD failure (RR, 0.26; P < .00001) compared with suture-based closure alone. No significant differences were observed in major (P = .30) or minor bleeding (P = .47). Unplanned interventions were less frequent with the hybrid approach, but the difference was not statistically significant (RR, 0.68; P = .19).

Conclusions

The combination of suture- and plug-based closure devices in transfemoral TAVR provides superior vascular outcomes and lower device failure rates without increasing bleeding risk. These findings support the hybrid approach as a safe and effective strategy, although further randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm long-term outcomes.