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Experience with an implantable venous access system for chemotherapy
R Pettengell1, A J Davies, V J Harvey
1Oncology Department, Auckland Hospital.
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|July 10, 1991
Summary
Totally implanted venous access systems, like the Port-A-Cath, demonstrate high reliability and safety for prolonged outpatient chemotherapy in solid tumor patients. These systems offer a safe, effective, and potentially economical solution for long-term venous access needs.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Devices
- Vascular Access
Background:
- Prolonged chemotherapy requires reliable venous access.
- External catheters pose risks of infection and inconvenience.
- Totally implanted systems offer an alternative for long-term use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Port-A-Cath system.
- To assess complication rates and functional duration.
- To compare the potential cost-effectiveness with external systems.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study of 71 solid tumor patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy.
- Insertion of totally implanted venous access systems (Port-A-Cath).
- Monitoring for complications and catheter function over the treatment period.
Main Results:
- The Port-A-Cath system functioned in 98.6% of patients for a mean of 278 days.
- Low rates of sepsis (11%) and occlusion (1.4%) were observed.
- Complications leading to removal included sepsis, occlusion, erosion, and wound dehiscence.
Conclusions:
- Totally implanted venous access systems are safe and reliable for prolonged chemotherapy.
- The Port-A-Cath system demonstrates high functional success rates.
- These systems may be more economical than external devices for long-term use.