Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
A Protocol to Set Up Needle-Free Connector with Positive Displacement on Central Venous Catheter in Intensive Care Unit
Published on: July 13, 2019
Implanted vascular access devices (ports) in children: complications and their prevention
1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, BRISTOL, BS2 8BJ, UK; 17, Heath mead, Heath, Cardiff, CF14 3PJ, UK.
Insights
Vascular access ports are crucial for children with cystic fibrosis and blood disorders. However, these ports have a high complication rate, necessitating careful management and proper handling to prevent issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Hematology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Implanted vascular access devices (ports) are essential for managing pediatric patients with chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis (CF) and hematological disorders.
- The increasing utilization of ports has led to the emergence of novel and more frequent complications.
- Understanding these complications is vital for optimizing patient care and device longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze the complications associated with implanted vascular access ports in pediatric patients.
- To identify the types of complications, their frequency, and the underlying diagnoses in patients requiring port insertion.
- To evaluate the overall complication rate and factors contributing to port-related issues.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of case notes for all patients who underwent port insertion between 1997 and 2000.
- Data collected included underlying diagnoses, type of vascular device, usage patterns, and recorded complications.
- Analysis of port removal and conservative management cases to determine complication rates.
Main Results:
- A total of 55 ports were inserted in 41 pediatric patients during the study period.
- The primary diagnoses included cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, hemolytic anemias, immunological disorders, solid neoplasms, and leukemia.
- Thirteen ports (24%) required removal due to complications such as infection, blockage, leak, dislodgement, and malposition. The overall complication rate, including conservatively managed issues, was 31%.
Conclusions:
- Implanted vascular access ports are associated with a significant complication rate during long-term use in pediatric patients.
- Careful selection of port systems, meticulous surgical implantation, and proficient post-insertion management by trained staff are crucial.
- Implementing best practices in port handling and maintenance can substantially reduce the incidence of port-related complications, improving patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Implanted vascular access devices (ports) play a major role in the management of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and many haematological conditions. With the expanding use of ports, new and more frequent complications are being encountered. To retrospectively review the complications associated with ports, the case notes of all patients who underwent insertion of a port between 1997 and 2000 were analysed. Details of the underlying disorder, type of vascular device, nature of use, and complications were recorded; 55 ports were inserted in 41 patients (a second port was required in 12, a third port in 2) during this period. Their underlying diagnoses were CF (11), haemophilia (4), haemolytic anaemias (2), immunological disorders (6), solid neoplasms (8), and leukaemia (10). Thirteen ports (24%) were removed and replaced for various complications: infection (2), blockage (4), leak (2), dislodgement (2), and malposition (3). Including four port-related problems managed conservatively (3 access problems managed by change in access technique; 1 blockage managed by urokinase), the over all complication rate was 31%. Ports thus have a high complication rate with long-term use. Selecting the right port system, proper installation of the port chamber, and efficient handling and maintenance by trained staff could prevent the vast majority of port-related complications.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
01:26Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management
01:29Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
01:25Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications
01:25Hemodialysis I: Introduction