PAS-Port: a new implantable vascular access device for arm placement: experiences from the first two years.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the performance of a new subcutaneous infusion port for placement in the arm.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.


METHODS
85 of 90 consecutive patients referred for implantation of a subcutaneous infusion port. Five records were missing. Implantation was successful in 81 cases (95%).


METHODS
Implantation of a PAS-Port (Kabi Pharmacia Deltec) subcutaneously on the forearm. Vascular access was obtained by cut-down.


METHODS
Success rate, complications and reliability in routine use.


RESULTS
After a follow-up time of 1-24 months (median 5), 42 ports were still in use, 21 patients had died with functioning ports, two ports had been removed at the end of treatment, 11 had been removed because of complications and because they malfunctioned; and 3 patients were lost to follow-up. The overall infection rate was 0.08/100 catheter days.


CONCLUSIONS
PAS-Port is a safe alternative to chest-placed port systems where there is a need for long term vascular access in adult patients.
Lundberg
G
G
Department of Surgery, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Wahlberg
E
E
Rickberg
A
A
Olofsson
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies