Publication Date
1-1-2020
Journal
Respiratory Medicine Case Reports
DOI
10.1016/j.rmcr.2020.101000
PMID
32257786
PMCID
PMC7118408
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
1-18-2020
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-Print
Published Open-Access
yes
Keywords
Foreign object, Bacteremia, Septic emboli, Retained guide wire, Medical errors
Abstract
Central venous catheter have become ubiquitous with greater than 15 million catheter days/year in the intensive care setting alone. However, the procedure carries with it several immediate and other delayed complications that can result in significant morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare cost. We report a rare case of significantly delayed complications associated with intravascular loss of guide wire during central venous catheter placement and its impact on patient's long term management. The case highlights not only the importance of proper technique and safety precaution in performing an increasingly common procedure, but also the need for timely identification and rectification of medical errors, especially in the context of improved physician-patient communication.