Effects of Cold Compress on Pain and Vascular Complications in Patients With Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

All included trials were done in Asian countries and mostly involved patients aged 50 to 70, so results may not apply in other settings or age groups. Cold compress protocols varied widely in timing, temperature, weight, duration, and frequency, so the best way to apply the intervention is unclear. None of the trials blinded participants, providers, or outcome assessors, which is especially important for subjective pain ratings. Only a few trials contributed to each outcome, so confidence in the pooled estimates is limited. The studies mostly measured short-term outcomes, so longer-term effects are unclear.

Do not read this as proof that cold compresses alone prevent all puncture-site complications. Bleeding and hematoma were reduced, but ecchymosis was not significantly reduced, and some trials also used sandbag compression, direct pressure, or early ambulation, so the contribution of any single component cannot be separated.