The crooked buddy technique: use of a Wiggle wire alongside an extra support wire to improve device deliverability
Chism, B.S.; Lee, R.W.; Sweeney, J.P.; Fortuin, F.D.
Journal of Invasive Cardiology 22(8): 377-381
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 1557-2501 PMID: 20679675 Document Number: 642557
The buddy wire is a useful technique for difficult-to-cross lesions that are typically identified by poor guide support, vessel tortuosity, calcification and/or prior stent placement. We present 5 cases of percutaneous coronary interventional success involving difficult-to-cross lesions using the "crooked buddy" technique, a unique combination of the Wiggle guidewire as the rail and an extra support guidewire as the buddy wire. From our experience, we recommend that when difficult-to-cross lesions are identified, moving quickly to the crooked buddy technique may avoid unnecessary equipment, contrast and procedure time.