An entirely echo-guided technique for totally implantable access port positioning

Percutaneous central vascular venous access to allow positioning of a totally implantable access port (TIAP) is a widely employed procedure. An open issue is the need to find an ionizing radiation free technique which allows a safe and correct positioning of the device. Echo-guided vein puncture is currently accepted as the best method for decreasing major immediate complications. We describe an entirely echo-based method for the insertion and assessment of correct placement of the totally implantable access ports (TIAP). 20 TIAPs with the described technique have been placed. TIAP can be safely positioned by entirely echo-guided technique avoiding ionizing radiation imaging.