[A totally implantable permanent central venous access, long-term experience with subcutaneous infusion chambers]

Subcutaneously implanted infusion chambers represent a new method of central venous access. In 57 evaluable out of 70 patients, four different models of infusion chambers with an accumulative observation time of 57 years were implanted. In 72% of the patients, up to 12 cycles of polychemotherapy were administered. Parenteral nutrition and blood drawing were also performed. After 4,970 punctions of the system and 12.2 years of use 46 complications in 38 patients were observed, however, most were minor ones, such as temporary occlusions (12) and extravasations (14). Septum luxation (1), septum perforation (1), catheter fracture (1) and catheter migration (2) as well as 7 cases of septicemia or port-pocket-infection required explanation. Infusion chambers seem to be particularly suitable for intermittent and long-term chemotherapy and emergency bolus injections with a significant advantage (10 complications per one thousand days of use) compared to externally placed venous catheters. However, follow-up and care must be performed by a skilled team.