A Totally implanted central venous access device in oncological patients: Experience in 261 patients

SUMMARY

Background: A totally implanted central venous access device was evaluated for ease of insertion, functionality, acceptance, and complications in patients who required long-term venous access. This eliminates having to prick the patient each time chemotherapy is to be administered.

Patients and Methods: 261 CVAD were implanted in 250 oncological patients (190 were Port-a Cath® and 71 were Celsite®). The median follow-up duration was 296 days (range: 14 to 2018 days). Total usage was 77,286 catheter-days.

Results: The device was found to be simple to insert, the procedure well tolerated. The complication rate was 0.08/100 days of implantation with an incidence of catheter thrombosis obstruction of 0.03/100 days. Catheter system infection was 0.02/100 days. Currently 109 devices continue to function with 23 having been withdrawn due to complications and 32 for completion of the treatment for which they had been placed. Ninety-four patients died during this follow up.

Conclusions: This device provides a highly acceptable method of totally implantable central venous access for chemotherapy patients with a low complication rate. Their efficacy is confirmed by the analysis of the data presented in the present study Niger. Med. J. 2003, Vol.44(2):30-33.

KEYWORDS: Central venous access device, Oncology patients, chemotherapy