title: Semipermanent right atrial catheter in gynecologic cancer patients.
abstract: The indications for insertion of semipermanent right atrial silicone catheters and immediate and long-term complications in patients admitted to a gynecologic oncology service, are described. Eight-five catheters were inserted in 79 patients for a variety of indications. Most catheters were placed under local anesthesia, in the patient's hospital room. Immediate morbidity caused by damage to the pleura was limited to three patients (3.5%). Infectious morbidity related to catheter use was seen in five patients (5.9%). Two patients were unable to administer daily heparin boluses through the catheter, and in both of these patients catheter thrombosis was seen (2.4%). A right atrial catheter can easily be inserted at the patient's bedside or in an outpatient setting. This device should be offered to any patient in whom intermediate or long-term vascular access is desired for nutritional support, chemotherapy, pain control, or similar indications.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total / Q000379:methods; D010994:Pleura / Q000293:injuries; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000209:etiology; D012828:Silicones; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D012828:Silicones; D009020:Morphine