Migration of Guidewire: A Rare Complication during Arterial Cannulation in a Patient on Intra-arterial Balloon Pump

Seldinger's technique is frequently used for percutaneous vascular access. This technique has been used for several years successfully for placement of cannulae/catheters into the arterial or venous system without the need for cut-down and with minimal trauma to surrounding structures. In fact, this technique has been adapted to introduce angiography catheters, chest tubes, cricothyroidotomy, tracheostomy, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, etc. Though inherently safe, this technique may be associated with several complications and guidewire-related complication that may be potentially serious, though rare.