[Experiences with the Port-A-Cath system, a fully implantable central venous access system, in children]

The Port-A-Cath-system is a totally implantable catheter system for central venous access. It consists of a subcutaneous injection port, fixed on the pectoral fascia, and a silicone catheter, positioned via a jugular vein into the right atrium. This system was utilised in 14 children (between 10 weeks and 14 years of age) for administration of chemotherapy, total parenteral nutrition, delivery of drugs or blood products, and venous blood sampling over a 15 months period. The device presents only few problems in respect of biocompatibility. Three complications occurred: one case of sepsis, one of catheter dislocation and one of catheter occlusion. The advantage of the total implantability of the system and the low complication rate are attractive alternatives to other methods of prolonged central venous access.