Completion peripheral angiography in single-access, Impella-assisted, high-risk PCI: Using a buddy microcatheter...

High-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (HR-PCI) is increasingly performed, often with mechanical circulatory support (MCS) provided by devices like the Impella CP. Bleeding and vascular complications remain concerns for HR-PCI, leading to significantly higher in-hospital mortality, duration of stay, and cost, which are important considerations in the decisions surrounding MCS support for HR-PCI. Newly introduced, single-catheter techniques for Impella-supported HR-PCI, along with recent approvals of dedicated large-bore closure devices (MANTA®-Vascular Closure Device) may reduce bleeding and vascular complications, but have limitations with regard to completion of peripheral angiography and/or postclosure percutaneous bailout options. The present technique offers a potential solution to these limitations, and describes a buddy microcatheter approach to postclosure management of HR-PCI with MCS, which was highly successful in a consecutive series of patients at our institution.