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Evaluation of a polymer implanted port access device
1IV Institute, Boerne, Texas, USA.
Summary
A new polymer cannula for implanted ports allows for longer access times, averaging 19.4 days, compared to the standard Huber needle. This innovation offers a safe and effective alternative, reducing patient restarts and potentially extending device life.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Access Devices
- Medical Device Evaluation
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Implanted ports offer reliable vascular access, improving patient quality of life.
- The standard Huber needle requires replacement every 7 days due to associated complications.
- There is a need for extended port access solutions to minimize patient interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a polymer cannula for implanted port access.
- To establish if extended port access times (over 7 days) are achievable without increased complications.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter evaluation of a polymer cannula port access device.
- Patients with implanted ports requiring access for 7+ days were enrolled.
- Adverse events, including infections and device-related complications, were monitored.
Main Results:
- 79 polymer cannula devices were used in 54 patients, totaling 1533 access days.
- The mean dwell time was 19.4 days, significantly longer than the 7-day standard.
- Two bloodstream infections occurred, but were not definitively linked to the device; no other complications arose.
Conclusions:
- The polymer cannula is a safe and effective option for extending implanted port access duration.
- This approach reduces the frequency of device replacement for patients.
- Extended access may prolong the functional life of the implanted port septum.