Work

The Buddy-Wire Technique for Impella RP Placement: A Case Report

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Although Impella RP has long been used in acute right ventricular failure, the use of parallel stiff and soft wires ("buddy-wire" technique) for its placement has rarely been described. A 70-year-old man with a left ventricular assist device was found to be in a ventricular tachycardia storm following a firing of his defibrillator. Due to unsuccessful cardioversion, he underwent implantation of an Impella RP. The latter was proven challenging due to the presence of a defibrillator lead; however, the implementation of the buddy-wire technique facilitated its passage, rendering it as a potential solution for patients with complex cardiac anatomies.

Source: Journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions

DOI: 10.1016/j.jscai.2025.104112

Authors: Michael V. DiCaro, Vasiliki Tasouli-Drakou, KaChon Lei, Dalia Hawwass, Swetal Patel, Chowdhury Ahsan

Institution: University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language: English

Topic: Mechanical Circulatory Support Devices

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,400