Background: Catheterization of central veins is a routine technique which is widely used in general hospitals and medical intensive care units. It should be carefully performed and managed to prevent adverse side effects.

Case Presentation: In this case report, we describe a case of lost guide wire during central venous catheterization, which was successfully treated with a minimally invasive surgical technique.

Conclusions: Inattention is the main cause of the retained guide wires. The interventional angiography is usually successful as the first line therapy.