[Permanent arterial approach to the lower extremity using a totally implantable reservoir system]

In 10 patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease intraarterial infusions were performed using a totally implantable port system. The port is fixed to the gluteal fascia on the outside of the iliac wing. The inferior epigastric artery is dissected through an additional incision above the inguinal ligament. A 2 mm catheter is connected to the port and inserted through the epigastric artery into the external iliac artery. Using this new suprainguinal technique the groin remains intact permitting surgical and interventional procedures. In one case a dislocation of the catheter occurred. The reason for this complication was an unsafe surgical fixation. The totally implantable port system is an alternative to conventional intraarterial infusions. There are several advantages using the suprainguinal technique as described above.