Related Experiment Videos
Prolonged venous access in cancer patients
C Guenier1, J Ferreira, J C Pector
1Department of Surgery, Institut Jules Bordet.
Summary
Hickman-Broviac (HB) catheters and Port-a-Cath (PAC) provide safe venous access for cancer patients. PACs show a lower complication rate than HB catheters, with infections being the primary issue for HB removal.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Devices
- Vascular Access
Background:
- Central venous catheters are crucial for administering chemotherapy and supportive care in cancer patients.
- Hickman-Broviac (HB) catheters and Port-a-Cath (PAC) are commonly used devices for long-term venous access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the complication rates and safety of Hickman-Broviac catheters versus Port-a-Cath devices in cancer patients.
- To evaluate the incidence and types of complications associated with each type of venous access device.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 148 Hickman-Broviac and 299 Port-a-Cath insertions over a 5-year period.
- Calculation of complication rates per 1000 days of access for both device types.
- Identification of reasons for catheter removal, particularly infections.
Main Results:
- Hickman-Broviac catheters had a complication rate of 4.1/1000 days, with infections causing removal in 22% of patients.
- Port-a-Cath devices demonstrated a significantly lower complication rate of 0.45/1000 days of access.
- Port-a-Cath devices remained in situ for an average of 232.9 days (range 1-1298).
Conclusions:
- Both Hickman-Broviac catheters and Port-a-Cath devices offer safe and reliable venous access for cancer patients.
- Port-a-Cath devices exhibit a superior safety profile with a markedly lower complication rate compared to Hickman-Broviac catheters.