title: Long-term central venous access with a peripherally placed subcutaneous infusion port: initial results.
abstract: A new subcutaneous infusion port and catheter system for long-term central venous access, designed to be implanted in the interventional radiology suite, was evaluated. In 35 patients, a 5-F polyurethane catheter was placed in the superior vena cava via the axillary or brachial venous approach under fluoroscopic guidance. A 2.5 X 2.5-cm2 subcutaneous pocket was dissected for the port. The port was then connected to the catheter, and the incision was closed. Ports have been implanted for a total of 5,290 patient days (5-307 days for an individual patient). Blood transfusion, bolus drug administrations, and 5-day outpatient chemotherapy infusions were successful in all attempts. Blood sampling was successful in 98.9% of attempts. No infectious or thrombotic complications were encountered. Acceptance of this device by patients and nursing staff has been excellent. The initial results indicate that this peripherally placed port is a viable alternative for patients requiring long-term central venous access.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor 48109-0030.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Andrews
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Walker-Andrews
authors.forename: W D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Ensminger
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001132:Arm; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents