Continuous venous access in children for long-term chemotherapy by means of an implantable system.
Between June 1983 and December 1984, 42 Port-a-Cath (PAC) systems have been implanted to establish continuous venous access in 42 children (aged 1 to 16 years) undergoing long-term chemotherapy. The PAC is a totally implantable closed system. Absence of permanent skin penetration decreases the risk of infection. The PAC gives more freedom and less discomfort to the child than a percutaneous system. The complication rate seems acceptable in comparison with that of other methods.
D000293:Adolescent; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007601:Jugular Veins