Totally implanted device for venous access. Experience in tumour patients

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Medical Devices
• Vascular Access

Background:

• Central venous access is crucial for administering chemotherapy and supportive care in cancer patients.
• Implantable devices like the Port-A-Cath offer a long-term solution for repeated venous access.
• Managing complications and ensuring device patency are key considerations for such systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and patient acceptance of the Port-A-Cath system for central venous access in tumor patients.
• To assess the device's functionality and complication rates during an 18-month investigation period.

Main Methods:

• Implantation of a subcutaneous injection portal (Port-A-Cath) connected to a silicone catheter in 30 cancer patients.
• Utilized the system primarily for administration of antineoplastic drugs and continuous infusions.
• Monitored device function, drug administration frequency, infusion durations, and complications over 18 months.

Main Results:

• The Port-A-Cath system remained functional for a median of 155 days (range 7-372 days) in 30 patients.
• Drug injections administered to 22 patients (median 11 occasions), and continuous infusions to 17 patients (median 15 days).
• Low complication rates: one catheter extravasation, two skin erosions, and one case of caval thrombosis; no infections or occlusions reported. Ten patients died with functioning systems, and 18 had working devices at study completion.

Conclusions:

• The Port-A-Cath system is a safe and effective method for long-term central venous access in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• The device exhibits high functionality and excellent patient acceptance with a low incidence of serious complications.
• Routine flushing and careful monitoring contribute to maintaining device patency and minimizing adverse events.