Outcomes following port-a-catheter placement in the Medicare population

We aimed to evaluate the long-term complication profile associated with port-a-catheter placement.

Patients undergoing port-a-catheter placement from 2007 to 2012 with 5-year follow up were identified. Descriptive statistics, χ tests, and multivariate regression models were analyzed.

Any complication occurring within 5 years postoperatively was common (59.04%, n = 53,353). Arrhythmogenic (32.66%, n = 30,625) and thrombovascular (36.80%, n = 34,499) complications were more common than infection (17.86%, n = 16,745) and mechanical (10.31%, n = 9,670) complications. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that history of atrial fibrillation is a risk factor for developing any complication (odds ratio 7.99, 95% confidence interval 7.29-8.77).

Patients with history of atrial fibrillation have increased odds of developing infectious, thrombovascular, mechanical, and arrhythmogenic complications with port-a-catheter placement. This study is the first to show that postprocedure arrhythmias occur at significant rates within the 5-year follow-up period. We caution that development of new arrhythmia should be monitored throughout a prolonged follow-up period. We hope our analysis encourages multidisciplinary coordination of patients with ports so that implants are promptly removed when they are no longer needed to avoid these complications.