The Relationship Between Patient Characteristics and Access Site Complications Post PCI: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Vascular access complications are among the most common adverse events following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), often requiring additional recovery and management. Evidence on associated risk factors remains inconsistent, and data from the Middle East are limited. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in two tertiary hospitals in the United Arab Emirates, adhering to STROBE guidelines. Convenience sampling included 211 adult patients undergoing elective PCI. Access-site complications (ecchymosis, oozing, bleeding, hematoma) were assessed immediately, at 6 hours, and at 24 hours post-sheath removal. Patient characteristics (age, sex, BMI, comorbidities) and procedural factors (puncture site) were recorded. Descriptive statistics summarized incidence; associations were tested using Chi-square (α=0.05). Results: Of 211 patients (74% male; 68% radial access), complications were significantly associated with age (p=0.021) and female sex (57.4% vs 25.5%, p<0.001). Femoral access had a higher risk for bleeding and hematoma (p<0.05). Ecchymosis was most frequent in older females, peaking at 6 hours. BMI and comorbidities showed no significant association. Discussion: Female sex, older age, and femoral access were key predictors of early post-PCI complications. These findings align with global evidence and underscore the need for tailored monitoring and nursing interventions, particularly in older female patients. Conclusion: Radial access and targeted care strategies may reduce complication risk and improve outcomes in high-risk groups.