[Totally implantable venous access ports by cephalic vein cut-down for patients receiving chemotherapy]

The use of an implantable room has become indispensable in the clinical practice for the cancer patients. The increasing use of these devices was associated with a greater incidence of complications.

To verify the feasibility of the cephalic vein cut-down technique for placement of venous access devices.

A prospective study of 58 port placements was performed at our department of general surgery. The surveillance of devices was collectively insured by the operator and by the oncologists.

The indication for implantation was the infusion of intravenous chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer in 55.1% cases and breast cancer in 27.5%. The specific complication rate was 7%. The cephalic vein cut-down approach was used successful in 45 (77.5%) patients. When the cephalic vein could not be used, a percutaneous technique was employed using the subclavian vein in 22.4% of the patients.

Cephalic vein cut-down technique should be considered a safe and feasible approach for placement of venous access devices.