Last Updated on May 6, 2025 by tanya

Complications If A Catheter Guidewire Is Retained

 

How To Claim Compensation for Clinical Negligence

 

Catheters are indispensable medical devices, but there may be complications if a catheter guidewire is retained.  A catheter facilitates various procedures from administering medication and fluids to draining bodily fluids and monitoring vital signs

Their insertion typically involves the use of a thin, flexible wire known as a guidewire. This helps to guide the catheter to the correct location within the body. Once the catheter is successfully placed, the guidewire is meticulously removed.

However, in rare but serious instances, a portion or the entirety of the guidewire can be unintentionally left inside the patient. This complication is known as a retained catheter guidewire. IN the latest NHS provisional report on ‘Never Events’, there were 22 reported instances of guidewires as retained foreign objects.

A ‘Never Event’ is regarded as a serious but preventable incident which should not have occurred if standard safety protocols were followed.

If this has happened to you and you suffered harm as a result, you may be entitled to claim a clinical negligence claim for compensation. At First Personal Injury, we work with lawyers who are highly experienced in clinical negligence. They work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and can assess your case.

 

When Can a Catheter Guidewire Be Retained?

The retention of a catheter guidewire is generally considered a preventable medical error. It may often stem from a deviation in established protocols or a lapse in attention during the catheter insertion or removal process. Several factors can contribute to this oversight. These may include distraction and fatigue, emergency situations, inadequate training or lack of post-procedure checks, among others,

It’s crucial to understand that while these factors can increase the risk, the retention of a guidewire is still considered a serious error that should ideally be avoided through keeping to proper protocols.

 

Potential Complications of a Retained Guidewire

The consequences of a retained catheter guidewire can vary greatly. This is because it depends on factors such as the size and location of the retained segment. Another factor may be the duration it remains in the body, and the individual patient’s health status. Potential complications can include:

Local Irritation and Pain: The presence of a foreign body like a guidewire can cause localised irritation, inflammation, and persistent pain. This may occur at  at the insertion site or along the path of the guidewire.

Infection: The retained guidewire can act as a source of infection, increasing the risk of localised infections or, potentially more severe cases, such as sepsis.

Vascular Damage: The sharp edges or movement of the guidewire within a blood vessel can cause damage to the vessel lining. This may potentially cause blood clots and embolism (migration of a blood clot), or even perforation of the vessel wall.

Organ Damage: Depending on the location of the guidewire, it could potentially migrate and cause damage to nearby organs through direct pressure or perforation.

Need for Further Medical Intervention: The discovery of a retained guidewire invariably requires further medical intervention to remove it. This may involve minimally invasive procedures or, in some cases, more complex surgical removal. These additional procedures carry their own inherent risks.

The severity of these complications underscores the importance of preventing guidewire retention and the need for prompt action if it does occur.

 

Claiming Compensation for Clinical Negligence

If you or a loved one has suffered harm because of a retained catheter guidewire you may want to find out more on how to claim compensation for clinical negligence.

Clinical negligence occurs when a healthcare professional or organisation fails to provide a reasonable standard of care. Importantly this failure is linked to the harm sustained by the patient. To successfully pursue a claim, you will generally need to show the following:

 

A Duty of Care: Healthcare professionals owe a duty of care to their patients to provide treatment to a reasonable standard.

Breach of Duty: You need to prove that the healthcare professional or the hospital breached this duty of care. In the context of a retained guidewire, this could involve demonstrating that the standard protocols for catheter insertion and removal were not followed. Or, that there was a clear error in the procedure or post-procedure checks

Causation: You must demonstrate a direct link between the breach of duty and the harm you suffered. In other words, you need to show that the retained guidewire was a direct consequence of the negligence. Additionally, that the complications you experienced were a direct result of the retained guidewire. Medical evidence and expert opinions will be essential in establishing this.

Loss and Damage: You need to have suffered demonstrable loss and damage as a result of the negligence. This can include physical pain and suffering and the need for further medical treatment. Also loss of earnings (if you were unable to work), and any other financial losses incurred due to the retained guidewire.

 

Steps to Take When Making a Claim

Seek Legal Advice:

The first and most crucial step is to consult with a lawyer who specialises in clinical negligence claims. They will be able to assess the merits of your case, explain the legal process, and guide you through the steps involved.

 

Gather Medical Records:

Your lawyer will also help you obtain your complete medical records related to the catheter insertion and the discovery of the retained guidewire. Additionally, any subsequent treatment you received for the complications.

 

Obtain Expert Medical Evidence:

A crucial aspect of a clinical negligence claim is obtaining an independent medical expert opinion. This expert will review your medical records and provide a report. This will highlight (in their opinion) whether the standard of care you received fell below an acceptable level . Also whether this directly caused your injuries. Again, your lawyer will assist you with this.

 

Potential Compensation

The amount of compensation awarded in a successful clinical negligence claim for a retained guidewire will depend on the severity of the complications. The impact they have had on your life may also be considered.  Compensation generally covers:

 

Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress you have experienced.

Loss of Amenity: This covers the impact your injuries have had on your ability to enjoy your usual activities and hobbies.

Past and Future Medical Expenses: This includes the costs of any necessary medical treatment, rehabilitation, and care.

Lost Wages: If your injuries have prevented you from working, you can claim for lost income.

Other Financial Losses: This may include travel expenses, costs of adaptations to your home, and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a direct result of the negligence.

 

Contact Us For A Free, No Obligation Consultation

Clinical negligence claims can be complicated. So consulting with experienced lawyers in this field who can assess your case is your next step. To do this, contact First Personal Injury.

Our friendly team at First Personal Injury can guide you through the process to get the compensation you deserve. We work with experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or contact us online for a free consultation.