A retained guidewire fractured with subsequent pericardial tamponade two years after endovascular neurointervention

Entrapment of aneurysm embolization hardware is an extremely rare complication of endovascular neurointerventional procedures. We describe a case of a retained guidewire in a 42-year-old male during an aneurysm embolization. After unsuccessful attempts at removal via interventional methods, we decided to leave the guidewire within the vessel. A guidewire fracture resulted in several fragments in the carotid artery and aorta with subsequent cardiac tamponade, pseudoaneurysm and aortojejunal fistula two years later. The fragments in the aorta were removed via interventional and surgical methods. We advocate early surgical management of the retained guidewires after unsuccessful retractions via interventional methods. Meticulous and gentle maneuvering is necessary to prevent such serious complications.