title: Complications associated with implantable vascular access devices in the patient with cancer.
abstract: Implantable vascular access devices (IVADs), or implantable ports, have been used for patients with cancer for more than 20 years. Although these devices have greatly improved infusion access for this population of patients, complications may still occur. Nurses working with oncology patients who have IVADs must be aware of possible problems for these patients, as well as the importance of early assessment and intervention. The diagnosis of cancer and potential treatments for this disease may make these patients at higher risk for complications associated with the use of IVADS.
authors.affiliation: Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA 95128, USA. pgviale@aol.com
authors.forename: Pamela Hallquist
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Viale
mesh_terms: D016470:Bacteremia / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000451:nursing; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control