Covid-19 and a lost guidewire: A misty tale of misery!

Background: Central venous catheterization (CVC) is a routine procedure in patients admitted in Intensive Care Units (ICU) worldwide. Most commonly, seldinger technique is being practiced irrespective of the site of insertion. Though considered very safe, guide wire related complications have been reported in the literature and incidence has increased in the COVID era where intensivists have to work in personal protective equipment (PPE). Case Report: We are reporting about a patient of severe COVID-19, admitted in ICU. His right femoral venous catheterization was done to start vasopressors. The guide wire accidentally slipped inside the femoral vein during the procedure. It was immediately detected and managed with the assistance of interventional radiologist under fluoroscopic guidance. Conclusion: Complications like misplacement of guide wire can be catastrophic during CVC. We have discussed the measures that can prevent or reduce such complications while working in PPE in COVID ICUs. Keywords: Central venous catheter, Guide wire, PPE, COVID- 19.