Outcome of subcutaneously implanted catheters in a teaching hospital

Subcutaneously implanted catheters (SIC) are commonly used for long-term intravenous access. This article examines SIC outcome data in a series of patients in a teaching center. The study was performed as a retrospective review. The study is descriptive in nature. Patients were entered into the study at the time of SIC removal, and demographics, diagnoses, and reasons for removal were recorded. Reasons for removal, lifespans of catheter, and outcome are analyzed. All catheters were implanted and removed at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Statistical analysis was by Student's t test. Significance is defined as P < .05. The average duration of catheter life was 14.4 +/- 17.1 months. Three reasons were identified for catheter removal: completion of therapy (44%), catheter malfunction (28%), and infection (28%). Our total infection rate was 0.65/1000 catheter days, which decreased to 0.19/1000 for catheters in place between 1 and 24 months. Catheters left in place for more than 24 months were noted to have an increased infection rate. SICs are a safe and effective mode of intravenous access. Our data indicate that infectious complications are low when proper technique is employed and catheters are removed before 24 months.