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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Computed Tomography (CT) Guided Implantation of a Totally Implantable Venous Access Port (TIVAP) through Subclavian Vein
Published on: January 13, 2026
Guidewire assisted cephalic vein cutdown for insertion of totally implantable access ports
H M Chang1, H F Hsieh, S D Hsu
1Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Nei Hu, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Background:
Totally implantable access ports (TIAP) placed by the cephalic vein cutdown technique have high failure rates.
Methods:
We describe a guidewire assisted technique of the cephalic vein cutdown for TIAP placement that can be easily introduced catheter when difficulties in insertion of the catheter. The key point of the presented technique is the use of J guidewire to go beyond the stenosis and advancement of catheter through the guidewire into the superior vena cava.
Results:
We used this technique for introducing the catheter in six patients without failure or complication.
Conclusion:
The presented technique is easy and simple. It can be used where there are difficulties in insertion of the catheter by cephalic vein cutdown method.
