[Fully implantable catheter systems. Long-term results--complications]

Between January 1984 and March 1989 we employed two different types of totally implantable venous access systems (57 Port A Cath/25 Theraport) in 82 patients (24 male/58 female). The indication for implantation was the need for long-term parenteral drug treatment of a malignant disease. The duration of the follow-up period was limited by the residual lifespan of the respective patient, 7.2 months on average (range: 3-37 months). In more than 90% (n = 75; 91.5%) of the patients the device functioned normally. Complications were observed in 7 patients (8.5%) (thrombosis in 3, pneumothorax in 2, infections in 2). The results indicate that the use of a totally implantable venous access system is a useful supportive measure in patients requiring long-term Cytostatic and parenteral therapy.