Simplified insertion of the Port-A-Cath implantable drug-delivery system

The increasing frequency with which antineoplastic drugs are being used demands improved vascular access for their administration. Venous access through implantable catheters facilitates treatment when veins are no longer available. Totally implantable catheters of the Port-A-Cath type are preferred because they give better performance and cosmetic results, and are more convenient for the patients. The flexibility of these catheters makes their introduction difficult. The author describes a simplified technique, using a commercially available introducer that has been used satisfactorily in thousands of pacemaker implantations. The author has used this technique routinely with a 50% decrease in operative and fluoroscopy time and without complications.