[Completely implantable venous access systems. A study of the morbidity and benefits of a model third-generation...

Venous access for chemotherapy in oncological patients, has experienced continuous modifications in recent years, both with regard to the types of devices used as with regard to the venous access itself. We present a prospective study of two groups of 25 patients, in which the patients in the first group were given a Port-A-Cath PAS Port venous access system with a Cath-Finder catheter locating system, and those in the second group were given a conventional Implantofix and Hickman venous access system. The device placed in the first group belongs to a third generation venous access system, involving a simple and safe placing technique which neither requires an operating room nor radiology. The incidence of complications in the first group was similar to that seen in conventional systems. To prevent early or late phlebitis in the cephalic or basilar vein, we recommended the prophylactic use of low molecular weight heparin during the procedure and maintaining this during the next three to five days, as well as during each new chemotherapy session and at any time this complication may arise. The economic benefits of this device are much greater than those of conventional systems.