Risks If A Catheter Guidewire Is Retained

Complications, Negligence, and How to Claim Compensation

A guidewire in medical practice is a thin wire used to direct a catheter to the correct place in the body, but there are risks if a catheter guidewire is retained inadvertently. An NHS provisional publication of Never Events (1 April 2024 to 28 February 2025) reported 22 incidents of a retained guidewire.

In today’s medicine practices, central venous catheterisation is a routine but critical procedure. It may be administered for fluid resuscitation,  delivery of medication, or for central venous pressure monitoring. Using a guidewire is considered standard practice in catheter placement.

However, if this wire is accidentally left inside a patient, there may be severe consequences. It is considered to be a serious but avoidable error for which you may be eligible to claim medical negligence compensation.

So, if you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a retained catheter guidewire, Jefferies Claims may be able to help as we work with lawyers who offer a ‘No Win, No Fee’ option. They can assess your case as to whether a medical negligent claim would be valid and if so, take it forward.

What Is a Retained Catheter Guidewire?

A catheter guidewire is a thin, flexible wire which guides the placement of catheters into blood vessels. It is used to ensure precise insertion, reducing the risk of vascular injury or misplacement. After the catheter is placed, the guide wire is meant to be fully removed.

But, in rare cases, the wire may be left inside the patient. This may be caused by different factors. These may include distraction, procedural errors, or failure to follow post-insertion protocols.

These situations are on the NHS “never events” list. This means they are serious and largely preventable incidents that should not occur if proper safety measures were followed.

Complications and Risks of a Retained Guide Wire

Leaving a guide wire inside the body is not just a procedural oversight as it may pose serious health risks. These complications may arise immediately or develop over time. This would dependon the wire’s position and the body’s reaction to the foreign object.

Infection and Sepsis

A retained wire can act as a point of origin for and infection. This is especially if it is within the vascular system. Bacteria can colonise the wire, leading to bloodstream infections, abscess formation, or potential sepsis.

 

 

 

Vascular Damage and Haemorrhage

A guide wire left in a vein or artery can affect the vessel wall and result in internal bleeding. It is particularly hazardous if it migrates to the heart or lungs.

Cardiac Arrhythmias

If the wire comes into contact with the heart’s conduction system, it can cause irregular heart rhythms, which may require emergency treatment.

Migration to Critical Organs

Over time, retained wires can migrate to vital organs such as the lungs, heart, or brain, leading to organ damage or dysfunction.

Chronic Pain and Anxiety

Even in less severe cases, the presence of a foreign object may lead to chronic pain, localised discomfort and distress.

Need for Further Surgery

Most retained wires require surgical retrieval.

In all instances you should always consult with a medical professional around life expectancy questions.

 

When Is It Considered Medical Negligence?

Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare professional fails in their duty of care, causing harm. Additionally, such harm would not have happened if proper standards were followed.

To establish negligence, you will need to show proof of the following three elements:

1. Duty of Care: The clinician or hospital owed you a duty (automatically established in patient-caregiver relationships).
2. Breach of Duty: The retained guide wire indicates that standard protocols were not followed.
3. Causation and Harm: You must have suffered physical, psychological, or financial harm as a result of the breach.

Example: If a patient undergoes routine catheter placement and suffers sepsis due to a retained wire, which later requires emergency surgery, clearly illustrates all three elements of negligence.

How to Start a Clinical Negligence Claim

If you’ve experienced harm from a retained guide wire, you may be entitled to compensation. This may typically include for pain, suffering, lost income, further medical expenses, and ongoing care needs. Here are your first steps:

Get Medical Attention First

Your health must always come first. If you suspect or have been informed of a retained guide wire, ensure you receive the appropriate diagnostic scans, surgical removal, and follow-up care.

Request Your Medical Records

You have the right to request your full medical records from the hospital or GP surgery. These records will provide evidence of what happened. They will help your solicitor assess whether your claim is viable.

Contact a Specialist Medical Negligence Solicitor

Choose a solicitor with experience in clinical negligence who preferably offers a ‘No Win, No Fee’ option to make your claim.

They will:

• Review your medical records and history
• Consult independent medical experts
• Determine if there is a valid claim
• Handle all correspondence for you

It is advisable to act quickly as evidence is far easier to gather evidence early in the process. Generally, you have three years from the date of the harm to start a claim. There are exceptions to this rule, including children under 18 and those who do not have mental capacity.

Get In Touch

A retained catheter guide wire is a serious, avoidable medical error. If you want to find out more about a medical negligence claim for compensation contact us.

Jefferies Claims can guide you through the process of how to claim compensation. We work with highly experienced lawyers in this field who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and we will give you the support and understanding you need at this difficult time. Call us at 0333 358 3034 for a free no-obligation chat or visit Jefferies Claims Contact Us Page