A simple sheath removal after open trans-femoral catheterization procedure: the ZIP technique.

The ZIP technique, a surgical equivalent of the 'Preclose' technique, useful for transcatheter aortic valve implantation or endovascular aortic aneurysm repair is described. While percutaneous closure devices are expensive, need a long learning curve and are associated with primary failure, the ZIP technique is easy and allows a quick, safe and anatomical closure of the artery. This procedure avoids arterial cross-clamping and no purse-string effect was demonstrated using Doppler ultrasound examination.