title: Complete caval thrombosis secondary to an implanted venous port--a case study.
abstract: METHODS
  We report the case of a woman who presented to the medical emergency room with upper thoracic inlet syndrome six months after being treated for cancer of the left breast with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. A port-related occlusion of the superior vena cava was diagnosed on the basis of the history, physical findings, and diagnostic images.
  
  
  METHODS
  The local standards for the handling of port systems are presented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Implanted port systems facilitate the treatment of the chronically ill by enabling easy and safe venous access. As the number of patients with such systems is growing, there is an increased need for optimized handling and care, awareness of the risks (such as catheter occlusion, thrombosis, and infection), and recognition of complications when they arise.
authors: Medizinische Universitätsklinik Freiburg, Hämatologie/Onkologie Abteilung I, Hugstetter Strasse 55, Freiburg, Germany.
authors: Jens
authors: J
authors: Hasskarl
authors: Stefan
authors: S
authors: Köberich
authors: Alex
authors: A
authors: Frydrychowicz
authors: Gerald
authors: G
authors: Illerhaus
authors: Cornelius F
authors: CF
authors: Waller