Subclavian central venous catheterization complicated by guidewire looping and entrapment

The placement of central venous catheters is a technically challenging procedure with known risks and complications. We report an attempted left subclavian central venous catheterization that was complicated by looping and entrapment of the guidewire. We hypothesize that this complication occurred because the straight guidewire that was used may have perforated the wall of the vein, allowing the guidewire to loop upon itself. Although catheter looping and knotting are well known potential complications of central venous catheterization, similar complications are rarely reported with guidewires. Clinicians should be aware of these potential complications when performing or teaching central venous catheterization.