Cardiac nurses often encounter patients following invasive diagnostic and interventional procedures. After these procedures the sheath(s) must be removed and this has become a routine practice for nurses working in the field of interventional cardiology. The best method for achieving haemostasis remains controversial and this controversy has increased the availability of new devices for closing femoral punctures. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the most common alternatives to digital compression and discuss the nursing considerations associated with these. The evidence base in relation to patient outcomes and nursing practice will also be explored