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Experience with 100 consecutive central venous access arm ports placed by interventional radiologists
J R Hills1, J F Cardella, K Cardella
1Department of Radiology, The Pennsylvania State University Hospital, Hershey 17033, USA.
Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology : JVIR
|December 17, 1997
Summary
Peripherally inserted, subcutaneous arm ports provide effective central venous access with a 93.8% success rate. While infections were more common in HIV-positive patients, overall complication rates remained very low.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Radiology
- Vascular Access Devices
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Central venous access is crucial for various medical treatments.
- Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) and ports are commonly used.
- Arm ports offer a less invasive alternative for long-term venous access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of peripherally inserted, subcutaneous arm ports.
- To determine complication rates associated with these devices.
- To assess outcomes in different patient populations, including those with HIV.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 100 consecutive patients receiving arm ports.
- Data collected from medical records and telephone follow-up.
- Complication rates calculated per 100 catheter days with 95% confidence intervals.
Main Results:
- 97 ports in 95 patients were analyzed over 23,842 days.
- A successful outcome was achieved in 93.8% of cases.
- Overall complication rate was 0.038 per 100 catheter days; infection rate was 0.029 per 100 catheter days.
- HIV-positive patients had higher complication (20% vs 4.9%) and infection rates (20% vs 3.7%) compared to non-HIV patients.
Conclusions:
- Subcutaneous arm ports are effective for central venous access with high functionality.
- Procedural complication rates are very low.
- While infections are more frequent in HIV-positive individuals, overall complication incidence remains low for all patients.