Complications with fully implantable venous access systems in oncologic patients
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Computed Tomography (CT) Guided Implantation of a Totally Implantable Venous Access Port (TIVAP) through Subclavian Vein
Published on: January 13, 2026
L Laurenzi1, C Fimiani, N Faglieri
1Intensive Care Unit and Pain Therapy, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
Aims:
To evaluate the complications caused by long-term central venous catheterization in patients with malignant hemopathies or solid tumors.
Methods:
Retrospective study from June 1988 to June 1993 in 211 consecutive patients who required 223 venous access devices for long-term use. A consistent analysis was possible only in 161 of these patients.
Results:
Fourteen catheter systems were removed for complications. Infections were the most common complications, with an overall incidence rate of 9.6%, i.e. 0.033/100 catheter days/patient. A significant difference was noted between the two groups of patients: 10 cases (24%) in malignant hemopathies, 6 cases (4.8%) in solid tumors (P = 0.0002). The main mechanical complication was thrombosis, with an incidence rate of 3%.
Conclusions:
Given the cost-benefit ratio, our study indicates that fully implantable venous access systems in oncologic patients are extremely useful.
Related Concept Videos
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications
Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Venous Return
What is Venous Return?
Venous return refers to the rate at which blood flows back to the heart from the body's peripheral veins. It's an integral part of the circulatory system...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications

