Save the Leg: Utilization of Distal Perfusion Catheter With Impella CP® May Prevent Morbidity of Limb

Leg ischemia is a potential complication of percutaneous left ventricular assist device (Impella CP®) placement. To avoid leg ischemia in at-risk patients, a distal perfusion catheter (DPC) should be placed. In utilizing a passive distal perfusion system from the contralateral femoral artery, we optimized blood flow to the distal limb mitigating leg ischemia. A 65-year-old female with dilated cardiomyopathy complicated by hemodynamic instability was placed on an Impella CP via the right femoral artery. A DPC was placed to the right distal femoral artery and connected to the wire re-access port of the Impella CP. Despite this, the leg became ischemic shortly after admission to the ICU. A contralateral femoral arterial line was placed in standard fashion, and it was connected to the DPC while the wire re-access port was capped. Shortly after placement of the new DPC system, the right lower extremity distal pulses returned, and distal leg ischemia was resolved. Another patient, a 67-year-old male with acute myocardial infarction, was placed on an Impella CP via the left femoral artery for cardiogenic shock. His hemodynamics continued to deteriorate, requiring initiation of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) via the right femoral artery and vein with associated DPC placement. Shortly after the initiation of VA ECMO, the Impella CP-related extremity (left leg) became ischemic. A left femoral DPC was placed and connected to the side port of the right femoral arterial cannula. After initiation of the additional DPC system, the left leg ischemia resolved. Distal leg ischemia with Impella CP is not a rare event. Utilization of a DPC to Impella CP may decrease the morbidity of limb malperfusion.