Related Experiment Videos
[Experiences with a modified implantation technique of Port-A-Cath systems as continuous venous access in infants and
1Abteilung für Allgemeine Chirurgie, Zentrum für Chirurgie, Universitatsklinikum, Essen.
Insights
The Port-A-Cath infusion system, an adult model, was implanted in 60 pediatric patients. This study highlights a very low complication rate of 1.6% during the median port usage time.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Vascular Access Devices
- Implantable Ports
Context:
- The Port-A-Cath infusion system is frequently used for long-term venous access in pediatric patients.
- Surgical implantation techniques and complication profiles require ongoing evaluation.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the adult Pharmacia Port-A-Cath system in pediatric patients.
- To determine the complication rate and associated factors in a pediatric cohort.
Summary:
- Sixty pediatric patients (2 months to 16 years) received the adult Port-A-Cath system via infraclavicular incision, with the catheter placed in the jugular vein.
- A single severe complication (port perforation) was observed, resulting in a low overall complication rate of 1.6%.
- The median port usage time was 168.5 days.
Impact:
- Demonstrates the feasibility and safety of using adult implantable ports in pediatric populations.
- Provides valuable data on complication rates, informing clinical decision-making for long-term venous access in children.
Abstract:
Since April 1987 we implanted the Port-A-Cath infusion system in 60 children in the age of 2 months to 16 years (median: 4.3 years). We only used the adult system (Pharmacia). By one right side infraclavicular incision the silicon catheter was implanted into the jugular vein and also the port was fixed on the pectoral fascia. We saw one severe complication as a port perforation through the skin. 1.6% was the very low rate of complications which appeared in the median of the port using time of 168.5 days.