Migration of fractured guidewire and its retrieval by endovascular snare catheter: A case report

Central venous catheterization is commonly used in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery and it is a relatively safe procedure. A 62-year-old woman who underwent emergency mitral valve replacement for infective endocarditis received a central venous catheter after induction of anesthesia. Postoperative chest radiography revealed a wire-like foreign body near the puncture site of the internal jugular vein, which was later retrieved successfully using a snare catheter under fluoroscopy. This report highlights the importance of careful observation of the withdrawn guidewire and dilator and the role of perivascular ultrasound in all cases requiring this procedure.