[Implantable catheter systems. Experiences with 1000 patients with central venous ports].
OBJECTIVE
To assess retrospectively duration of functioning and rate of complications of a totally implantable venous access system used for long-term chemotherapy.


METHODS
Between 1985 and 1993, a central venous access system (Port-a-Cath) had been implanted subcutaneously for long-term chemotherapy in 1000 patients (479 males, 521 females; mean age 49 [15-86] years). Follow-up observations lasted until the end of the chemotherapy or the removal of the system.


RESULTS
Mean time of functioning of the catheter system was 284 (2-1563) days. The complication rate was 12.8%: catheter infection in 4.9% and catheter thrombosis in 3.2%. A further 4.7% of patients had less common complications (malfunction, catheter dislocation, skin necrosis, catheter break or disconnection, pneumothorax). A total of 119 (11.9%) systems had to be removed because of complications. The rates of infection and of other complications were significantly lower in patients with solid tumours (2 and 4%, respectively) than in those with haematological disease (6 and 8%) (P < 0.05 for each).


CONCLUSIONS
Totally implantable venous access systems are suitable for long-term chemotherapy and cause few complications.
Kock
H J
HJ
Abteilung für Allgemeine Chirurgie, Chirurgische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universität Essen.
Krause
U
U
Pietsch
M
M
Rasfeld
S
S
Walz
M K
MK
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies
Implantierbare Kathetersysteme. Erfahrungen bei 1000 Patienten mit zentralvenösen Ports.