Totally implantable systems for intravenous drug delivery. Experiences in children with cancer.
A totally implanted system for central venous access--consisting of a subcutaneous injection port, connected to a silastic catheter positioned into the superior caval vein--has been utilised in 17 children with cancer treated by aggressive chemotherapy regimens. This preliminary study over a 1 1/2-year period suggests that such devices may represent an improvement over currently available techniques of prolonged venous access, and are suitable for children as well. The device has proved to be a reliable, safe, convenient and effective method for delivering drugs, antibiotics, blood products, nutritional and other intravenous fluids. In 3881 patient days no serious complications have occurred. The complications encountered must be considered as starting problems of this device in the paediatric age group. These problems have been solved. Continuous infusion therapy lasted up to 122 consecutive days without skin problems. The system has the advantage of simplicity of positioning, use and maintenance. It facilitates ambulatory anticancer treatment.
van der Staak
F
F
Bökkerink
J
J
Lippens
R
R
Severijnen
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents