Insertion of subcutaneous central venous infusion ports by interventional radiologists

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of radiologic implantation of subcutaneous chest wall infusion ports by interventional radiologists, rather than surgeons, at a tertiary care hospital.

Review of radiology department and hospital records for 38 patients (ranging in age from 21 to 70 years), in whom a total of 41 infusion ports had been inserted between January 1992 and January 1994.

All of the implantations were successful. The only acute complication was pneumothorax, which occurred in one patient; insertion of a chest tube was required. There were no cases of hematoma, air embolism or arterial puncture. The infusion ports remained in place for 12 to 492 days (for a mean of 167 catheter days per patient). Total follow-up was 6863 catheter days. The overall incidence of catheter-related infection was 1.3/1000 catheter days; removal of the port was necessary in eight cases. Occlusion of the catheter occurred in two cases, one after 21 days and the other after 308 days. Neither migration nor fracture of the catheter tip occurred. Overall, removal of the port was required because of catheter-related complications in nine cases (22%); in these cases the port was removed after a mean of 181 (range 21 to 420) days.

Because the success and complication rates observed here were similar to those reported for insertions performed in the operating room, the authors conclude that central venous infusion ports can be safely and efficiently implanted by interventional radiologists.