[Clinical application of a totally implantable catheter system]

A central-venous, totally implantable catheter system was used in 56 patients, aged 7 months to 75 years, predominantly for cytostatic treatment. The observation period was maximally 22 months. Infections occurred in four patients with leukaemia and severe agranulocytosis (after faulty puncture, and after rupture of the connection between catheter and injection port). Long period of usability with low complication rate distinguishes the system from the conventional central-venous catheter one.