Risk factors for TIVAD-related venous thrombosis in Chinese breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A...

Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) are widely used in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy; however, catheter-related thrombosis can occur and may be asymptomatic. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and associated risk factors of TIVAD-related venous thrombosis in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 143 consecutive breast cancer patients who received TIVAD implantation at our hospital from March 2022 to February 2023. Routine color Doppler ultrasonography of catheter-associated veins was conducted following the conclusion of all chemotherapy cycles and prior to the removal of the TIVAD. Patients were classified into thrombosis and non-thrombosis cohorts. Variables relating to patients, treatments, and catheters were compared among groups. TIVAD-related venous thrombosis was detected in 37 of 143 patients (25.87%); all cases were asymptomatic and identified by routine ultrasound screening prior to TIVAD removal. The median TIVAD retention time was 148 days. A significant difference in TIVAD material was observed between groups (P < .05). No significant differences were found in age, body weight, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, puncture site, timing of chemotherapy, chemotherapy regimen category, catheter tip position, or TIVAD retention period (all P > .05). Asymptomatic TIVAD-associated venous thrombosis is prevalent among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. TIVAD material may be linked to thrombosis risk, although the duration of TIVAD retention was not substantially correlated with thrombosis in this population.