Experience with long-term outpatient venous access utilizing percutaneously placed silicone elastomer catheters

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Vascular Access
• Infectious Disease

Background:

• Chronic venous access is crucial for cancer patient treatment.
• Tunneled catheters are common but can be costly.
• Percutaneous subclavian catheters offer an alternative for venous access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneously placed subclavian vein catheters for chronic venous access in cancer patients.
• To assess the incidence of catheter-related sepsis.
• To determine the cost-effectiveness compared to tunneled catheters.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 140 consecutive cancer patients.
• Percutaneously placed subclavian vein catheters were used.
• Catheter dwell time was monitored for up to 882 days.

Main Results:

• The incidence of suspected and proven catheter-related sepsis was low.
• Catheters were successfully used for extended durations.
• No major complications were reported.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous subclavian vein catheterization is a safe and effective method for chronic venous access in cancer patients.
• It presents a cost-effective alternative to tunneled catheter insertion.
• This approach minimizes the risk of catheter-related sepsis.