Mechanical Compression. Mechanical compression involves the application of constant pressure on the artery to obtain hemostasis and allows hands-free catheter removal so that nurses can monitor the patient.3 There are 2 main types of compression: The C-clamp (CompressAR, Advanced Vascular Dynamics) and pneumatic (FemoStop, Radi Medical Systems AB, St Jude Medical, Inc). The C-clamp consists of a flat metal plate, placed under the mattress at the patient’s hip to stabilize the device, and a C-clamp arm. A disposable translucent pad is attached to the tip of the C-clamp arm (Figure 3). The FemoStop device uses a small pneumatic clear pressure dome, a belt placed around the patient’s hips, and a pump with a manometer making it possible to adjust pressure to an optimal level (Figure 4). As with manual compression, the translucent pad or clear dome is placed 1 to 2 cm above the site where the sheath enters the skin and pressure is applied by pressing down on
the C-clamp arm or adjusting the pressure with the pump. Mechanical compression does not cause hand and/or arm fatigue and is just as effective as manual compression in obtaining hemostasis.3,5,68 The translucent pad or clear dome provides easy visualization of the puncture site while the pressure is slowly released. It is important to remember that both manual and mechanical compression can be ineffective in obtaininghemostasis in patients who received low sticks