Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided totally implantable venous access ports via the right innominate vein in adult patients with cancer: Single-centre experience and protocol

BackgroundTotally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs) are widely used and are an essential tool in the efficient delivery of chemotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of implantation of ultrasound (US)-guided TIVAPs via the right innominate vein (INV) for adult patients with cancer.MethodsThis study retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 283 adult patients with cancer who underwent US-guided INV puncture for TIVAPs between September 2015 and September 2017. It also analysed the technical success rate, operation time, and short-term and long-term surgical complications.ResultsTechnical success was achieved in all patients (100%). The mean operation time was 28.31 ± 7.31 min (range: 23–39 min), and the puncture success rate for the first attempt was 99.30% (281/283). Minor complications included artery puncture during the operation in one patient, but no pneumothorax was encountered. The mean TIVAP time was 304.16 ± 42.54 days (range: 38–502 days). The rate of postoperative complications was 2.83% (8/283), including poor healing of the incision in one patient, catheter-related infections in three patients, port thrombosis in one patient, and fibrin sheath formation in three patients; no catheter malposition, pinch-off syndrome, catheter fracture, or other serious complications were observed.ConclusionsTIVAPs are widely employed for chemotherapy. The present study found that the novel approach of using US-guided INV puncture to implant TIVAPs in adult patients with cancer is both short-termly feasible and safe for long-term central venous access.     

The mechanisms of failure of totally implantable central venous access system: Analysis of 73 cases with fracture of catheter

Background

Totally implantable access ports are often used for the administration of chemotherapy or prolonged intravenous infusions in patients with cancer. The technique has been well described. However, some complications would happen. The pinch-off-syndrome is one of these complications. We report another presentation of pinch-off-syndrome and how to prevent.

Methods

From January 2005 to December 2007, 73 patients of catheter fracture were collected. The duration of Port-A implantation ranged from January 2003 to October 2007. During this period, 3358 port-catheters were implanted. There were three brands of Port-A implanted included 46% BardPort™ (Bard, Salt Lake City, UT, USA), 42% A Port (Arrow international, Reading, PA, USA) and 12% PORT-A CATH (Deltec, St. Paul, MN, USA).

Results

The most common clinical presentation was difficulty in injection in 32 cases (43.8%). The incidence of brand C was far lower than brand A and B. The most common site of fracture was at the proximal part (anastomosis between injection port and catheter) in 68 cases (93.2%). The incidence of fracture of Port-A was 6 in 738 (0.81%) in cut-down method; 67 in 2620 (2.56%) in percutaneous subclavian method. Most of thecases (34%) were no more than six months.

Conclusion

The most frequent location of fracture Port-A was in proximal part – anastomosis between injection port and catheter. The cause of easily fracture may be associated with pinch-off-syndrome and design of Port-A. This kind of fracture could be prevented by cut-down method and fixed one stitch in proximal part.     

A comparative study between two central veins for the introduction of totally implantable venous access devices in 1201 cancer patients

Introduction and aims

The Subclavian vein has been traditionally the vein of choice for central venous catheterization by general surgeons. Alternative settings for the introduction of totally implantable venous access devices (TIVAD) and the search for lower rates of morbidity led to the choice of other central veins. This study compares two different venous accesses, the subclavian (SC) versus the internal jugular (IJ), in terms of early and late morbidity.

Patients and methods

This is a prospective, non-randomized, observational, uni-institutional (tertiary cancer centre) study. From March 2003 to March 2006, 1231 TIVADs were placed (1201 patients), in an ambulatory operating room, under vital signs and EKG monitoring, using local anaesthesia and without perioperative radiological control.

Results

Of the 1231 TIVAD, 617 were inserted via the SC and 614 via the IJ vein. The two groups (SC vs. IJ) were comparable as to general patient characteristics. Immediate complications were more frequent in the SC than in the IJ approach (respectively, 5.0% vs. 1.5%; p < 0.001); Catheter malposition occurred in 2.3% when using the SC vein and in 0.2% for the IJ (p = 0.001). Long term morbidity was also more frequent in the SC than in the IJ group (respectively, 15.8%, 87/551, vs. 7.6%, 39/512; p < 0.001). Venous thrombosis developed in 2.0% of patients with an SC TIVAD as compared to 0.6% with an IJ TIVAD (p = 0.044). Catheter malfunction was significantly dependent on the vein used: SC - 9.4% vs. IJ - 4.3% (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results support the preferential use of the Internal Jugular vein for the insertion of TIVAD.     

3 380例乳腺癌患者放置完全植入式静脉输液港化疗的并发症分析

目的探讨乳腺癌患者放置完全植入式静脉输液港(TIVAP)进行化疗时发生并发症的情况。 方法回顾性分析2013年7月至2018年4月在重庆医科大学附属第一医院成功置入TIVAP进行化疗的3 380例乳腺癌患者临床资料。统计患者并发症的发生率,并分析不同植入路径发生血栓的情况。运用拟合优度检验比较各类并发症(回抽无回血、无症状导管相关性血栓、有症状导管相关性血栓、导管相关性感染、港体外露、导管异位、药物外渗、导管破裂或脱落)构成比的差异,采用χ²检验比较不同植入路径血栓发生率的差异。 结果3 380例患者中,经颈内静脉置港3 255例、贵要静脉置港77例、腋静脉置港40例、锁骨下静脉和股静脉置港各4例;其中经左侧置港1 491例,右侧1 889例。患者留置导管时间为(136.6±39.1) d,时间范围为51.0～940.0 d。本组患者中共有1 588例发生并发症,总的并发症发生率为47.0%(1 588/3 380)。拟合优度检验结果显示,各类并发症不服从等比例分布,其中无症状导管相关性血栓占比最高(73.3%,1 164/1 588)(χ²＝5 590.217,P<0.001)。颈内静脉植入路径的血栓发生率为36.7%(1 195/3 255),贵要静脉和腋静脉植入路径的血栓发生率分别为3.9%(3/77)和2.5%(1/40),股静脉(n＝4)和锁骨下静脉(n＝4)植入路径均无血栓发生。不同植入路径血栓发生率的差异具有统计学意义(χ²＝74.460,P<0.001),其中颈内静脉植入路径血栓发生率明显高于贵要静脉和腋静脉植入路径(P均<0.050)。左、右颈内静脉植入路径血栓发生率分别为41.5%(594/1 433)和33.0%(601/1 822),两者对比,差异有统计学意义(χ²＝24.742,P<0.001)。 结论使用TIVAP进行化疗时导管相关性血栓并发症所占比例最高。为了降低导管相关性血栓的发生风险,若无禁忌证,可优先考虑贵要静脉和腋静脉植入路径。其次,经颈内静脉置入TIVAP进行化疗时植入路径优选右侧颈内静脉,且要警惕导管相关性血栓的发生。     

Use of totally implantable central venous access port via the basilic vein in patients with thoracic malignancies

Background  For patients with a thoracic malignancy whose peripheral veins are not suitable for blood access for chemotherapy, we evaluated a totally implantable central venous access port, in which the port is implanted in the ulnar side of the arm and the catheter is introduced via the basilic vein into the superior vena cava (TIAP-BV). Methods  Twenty-five patients (21 with lung cancer, 2 with malignant pleural mesothelioma, and 2 with thymoma) receiving TIAP-BV were included. Indications, surgical complications, and long-term complications were analyzed. Results  Indications for TIAP-BV were: chemotherapy (17 patients) and chemotherapy with parenteral nutrition (8 patients). The following surgical complications occurred: arrhythmia due to misplacement of the tip of catheter (1 patient); intraoperative conversion from the left to right arm (2 patients); and hematoma at the implantation site (1 patient). Short-term problems were: death 1 week after implantation without the use of TIAP-BV (2 patients). Long-term complications were: skin ulcer at the port site (1 patient); early removal of TIAP-BV because of port site infection (1 patient); catheter occlusion (1 patient); and venous thrombosis of basilic vein (2 patients). In the 22 patients who did not die early or have the device withdrawn early, the median duration of TIAP-BV use was 7 months (range, 1 to 20 months) without any break to the port system, leakage of drugs, or catheter-related infections. Conclusion  TIAP-BV can be employed for long-term use for chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition. However, a patient’s expected prognosis and infectious disease status at the time of implantation surgery should be considered before the surgery proceeds.     

植入式静脉输液港在肿瘤化疗中的应用及常见并发症的护理

目的分析植入式静脉输液港（central verlous port Access system,VAP）临床应用并发症发生的原因,探讨处理及预防措施。方法回顾性分析87例肿瘤患者进行VAP植入化疗,并行局部护理和管腔通畅护理等,总结并发症例数及原因。结果 87例患者中,植入置管失败2例,置管成功率为97.70%。17例出现并发症,发生率为19.54%。近期并发症4例,其中术后气胸1例、切口感染1例、局部血肿1例、导管锁松脱致局部渗液1例;远期并发症13例,其中输液障碍7例、导管相关性感染3例、导管夹闭综合征3例。结论加强医务人员规范化培训、穿刺植入前对患者进行全面评估和提高置管医生的穿刺技术有利于减少VAP近期并发症的发生;植入后的精心护理可有效减少VAP临床应用远期并发症的发生。     

Use of totally implantable central venous access ports for high-dose chemotherapy and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation: results of a monocentre series of 376 patients.

BACKGROUND: The complication rate of central venous totally implantable access ports (TIAP), used for high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation support, has not been fully investigated to date, due to the almost exclusive use of externalised, tunnelled devices in this clinical setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 66-month period (from 1 January 1997 to 30 June 2002), 376 patients suffering from breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lymphoma or multiple myeloma were treated with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation at the European Institute of Oncology (Milan, Italy). A single type of port was used, constructed from titanium and silicone rubber, connected to a 7.8 F polyurethane catheter (Port-A-Cath; SIMS Deltec, Inc., St Paul, MN, USA) inserted into the subclavian vein. They were followed prospectively for device-related complications until the device was removed, the patient died or the study was closed (30 June 2002). RESULTS: No TIAP-related deaths were observed in this series. Seven pneumothoraxes (1.8%) occurred as a complication of TIAP placement, one patient only (0.2%) requiring a tube thoracostomy. Port pocket infection occurred twice in this series (0.53%, 0.01 episodes/1000 days of use), whereas three patients suffered from port-related bacteraemia (0.8%, 0.016/1000 days of use). Infections were successfully treated with antibiotics; all three cases had the ports removed at programme completion. Four cases of deep vein thrombosis were detected (1.06%, 0.022/1000 days of use); low molecular weight heparin was given, followed by oral anticoagulants. Finally, one case of extravasation occurred (0.26%, 0.005/1000 days of use), requiring port removal and local medical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The use of TIAPs has resulted in a safe and effective option for high-dose chemotherapy deliverance and stem cell transplantation, in spite of inducing severe neutropenia and increasing the risk of sepsis in this category of oncology patient.     

Long-term outcome of radiological-guided insertion of implanted central venous access port devices (CVAPD) for the delivery of chemotherapy in cancer patients: institutional experience and review of the literature

Central venous access port devices (CVAPD) are necessary for delivery of prolonged infusional chemotherapy or in patients with poor peripheral venous access. Previous studies of Hickman catheters report complication rates in about 45% of patients. Our aim was to assess the early and late complication rate, and duration that the CVAPD remained functional, following insertion by interventional radiologists in patients with solid tumours. A prospective study was undertaken in 110 consecutive patients who had insertion of 111 subclavian CVAPD. The median age of patients was 57 years (range 17-83), 64 were females; 68 patients (61%) had gastrointestinal tumours and 25 (23%) had breast cancer. CVAPD were successfully implanted in all but one patient. There were four (4%) immediate major complications: thrombosis 2 and pneumothorax 2. Nine patients (8%) had bruising or pain. Four devices (4%) became infected. In total, 100 CVAPD (90%) were either removed as planned at the end of treatment (n=23) after a median 203 days, or remained in situ for a median of 237 days (7-1133). Premature removal occurred in eight patients due to infection (n=4), thrombosis (n=3) or faulty device (n=1). Four patients were lost to follow-up. Radiological insertion of CVAPD is safe and convenient with low rates of complications.     

Surgical technique for totally implantable access ports (TIAP) needs improvement: a multivariate analysis of 400 patients

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to analyze factors that may have an impact on the failure rate of the surgical implantation technique for totally implantable access ports (TIAP) and to assess whether morbidity rates differ between a primarily successful surgical and a secondary Seldinger approach. METHODS: Four hundred consecutive patients receiving a primary TIAP in local anesthesia were included into this retrospective cohort study. A logistic regression-model was used to evaluate reasons for failure of the TIAP method. RESULTS: Three hundred eighteen (79.5%) patients had a successful TIAP procedure, 82 patients were intraoperatively converted to a Seldinger technique. Reasons for failure were: correct positioning impossible n = 54, no or only an undersized vessel for insertion available n = 17, other reasons n = 11. Logistic regression analysis did not reveal any significant factor for failure of the primary surgical approach. In the group with primarily successful TIAP, 8 of 318 patients (3%) developed complications compared to 7 of 82 patients (9%) converted to a Seldinger technique. CONCLUSION: Failure of the surgical approach for implanting totally implantable access ports is related to insertion and positioning. Conversion to a Seldinger technique results in a higher complication rate. A modified approach for surgical port placement should be considered in order to reduce complications.     

Totally implantable venous access port systems and risk factors for complications: A one-year prospective study in a cancer centre

Background

Totally Implantable Venous Access Port Systems (TIVAPS) are widely used in oncology, but complications are frequent, sometimes necessitating device removal and consequently delays in chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate possible risk factors for morbidity.

Methods

A total of 815 consecutive cancer patients (median age: 56.2 years [0.8–85.2]; 522 female) were enrolled in this observational, single-centre study between May 2nd 2006 and April 30th 2007. TIVAPS implantation involved principally cephalic or external jugular vein access. Patients were followed up for one year unless the device was removed earlier.

Results

The overall morbidity rate was 16.1% (131/815). Complications necessitated device removal in 55 patients a mean of 3.7 months [0.2–12.0] after implantation. These comprised TIVAPS-related infection (19), port expulsion (14), catheter migration (6), venous thrombosis (5), mechanical problems (3), skin disorders (2), pain (2), drug extravasation (2) infection unrelated to TIVAPS (1) and inflammation (1). No patient died during the study. The factor most strongly predictive of complications was the interval between insertion and first use of the TIVAPS, ranging from 0 to 135 days (median: 8.0 days). The morbidity rate was 24.4% when this interval was 0–3 days, 17.1% when it was 4–7 days and 12.1% when it exceeded 7 days (p < 0.01; Chi² test). The median interval was 6 days (0–53) and 8 days (0–135), respectively, in patients with and without complications (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

To reduce complications, an interval of at least 8 days between placement of the TIVAPS and its first use may be advisable.     

Utilization and Complications of Central Venous Access Devices in Oncology Patients

Purpose: To describe how central venous access devices (CVADs) are utilized for ambulatory oncology patients and to evaluate the rate of complications. Method: Single institution retrospective study of oncology patients with CVADs who received systemic treatment at the Walker Family Cancer Centre (WFCC) between 1 January and 31 December 2018. Results: A total of 480 CVADS were placed in 305 patients, of which 408 (85%) were peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and 72 (15%) were implanted vascular access devices (PORTs). The incidence of early and late complications was 9% and 24%, respectively. For the entire cohort, the rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) was 16%, of which 9% were CVAD-related thrombosis (CRTs) and 7% were distant VTE. The CRT rates were similar for PICCs and PORTs (9% vs. 7%). A total of 6% of CVADs were complicated by infection (i.e., localized infections and bacteremia), with a total infection rate of 0.43 and 0.26 per 1000 indwelling days for PICCs and PORTs, respectively. The incidence of central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) was greater for PICCs than PORTs, at a rate of 0.22 compared with 0.08 per 1000 indwelling days, respectively. The premature catheter removal rate was 26% for PICCs and 18% for PORTs. PORTs required more additional hospital visits. Conclusions: PICCs were utilized more frequently than PORTs and had a higher rate of premature removal. The rates of VTE and CRT were similar for both CVAD types. PORTs had a lower rate of infection per 1000 indwelling days. However, the management of PORT related complications required more visits to the hospital and oncology clinic.     

Satisfaction and quality of life: a survey-based assessment in patients with a totally implantable venous port system

The purpose was to assess the satisfaction and quality of life in patients with a totally implantable central venous port system using a questionnaire-based survey. A self-designed questionnaire to assess patient satisfaction and the impact of the port on daily life was dispatched 180 days after implantation. The questionnaire was combined with the commonly used short form (SF)-12 Health Survey quality of life questionnaire. Of the 98 patients who received a port system, 75 were contacted, and 42 (56%) returned the questionnaire. Most of the responding patients reported high overall satisfaction. The impact of the system on daily life was widely perceived not to be negative. The physical component summary (PCS) and the mental component summary (MCS) scores from the SF-12 were 35.5 and 45.23 respectively (general German population: PCS = 49.6, MCS = 52.3). The multiple stepwise regression showed that the cosmetic result was a predictor of overall satisfaction; the cosmetic result and a painful port together were predictors of the MCS. Overall, it was found that the cosmetic result of the implantation procedure was a predictor of satisfaction and quality of life and should thus not be underestimated.     

三种不同囊袋切口的胸壁完全性植入式输液港#br# 术式对比#br#

目的比较几种不同囊袋切口的胸壁完全性植入式输液港的手术效果。方法回顾性分析2018年1月至2019年7月期间158例于广州市第一人民医院接受输液港植入术的患者资料。根据术式不同分为3组,隧道针 横切口组(n=47)、穿刺点 纵切口组(n=60)、穿刺点 横切口组(n=51),对3种术式的手术时间、术后并发症进行对比。结果3种术式中平均手术时间,隧道针 横切口组最长为(3136±110)min,其次为穿刺点 横切口组(2865±107)min,穿刺点 纵切口组最短为(2670±093)min,差异具有统计学意义(P<005)。并发症方面,隧道针 横切口组5例(104％),穿刺点 纵切口组10例(167％),穿刺点 横切口组7例(137％),差异无统计学意义(P>005)。结论穿刺点 纵切口、穿刺点 横切口两种术式操作更为简便,是锁骨下静脉胸壁完全性植入式输液港的理想术式。     

An alternative technique for totally implantable central venous access devices. A retrospective study of 1311 cases.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to report our experience of totally implantable central venous access devices (TICVAD) implantation using two techniques and attempt to define the better technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1998 to September 2003, 1131 patients were reviewed and divided into two groups with implantation by cephalic vein cut-down (group A) done by general surgeons and subclavian vein puncture with the Seldinger technique (group B) done by vascular surgeons. The operative time, early and late complications of these two groups were compared. Data were analysed by Student's t-test. RESULTS: The average of operative time was 43 min in group A (35-70 min) and 40 min in group B (35-60 min) (P>0.05). No post-operative pneumothorax, hemothorax and fragmentation occurred in group A; the incidence of peri-operative complication was higher in group B. The overall and early complications of group A were significantly lower than that of group B (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: This retrospective study showed that the cephalic vein cut-down approach for TICVAD placement avoided the risks of pneumothorax, hemothorax and catheter fragmentation.     

A new site for totally implanted central venous access system in patients with malignancy: long-term results of 10 cases

In this study of 10 patients with central venous access system, the reservoir body was implanted in the lower limb. Only one complication was observed per 1,560 days of function time. The anterolateral distal half of the thigh is a good alternative site for the injection port in cancer patients whose jugular veins and veins in the arms are not available owing to a tumour or previous treatments.     

Epidemiology and natural history of central venous access device use and infusion pump function in the NO16966 trial

Background:

Central venous access devices in fluoropyrimidine therapy are associated with complications; however, reliable data are lacking regarding their natural history, associated complications and infusion pump performance in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Methods:

We assessed device placement, use during treatment, associated clinical outcomes and infusion pump perfomance in the NO16966 trial.

Results:

Device replacement was more common with FOLFOX-4 (5-fluorouracil (5-FU)+oxaliplatin) than XELOX (capecitabine+oxaliplatin) (14.1% vs 5.1%). Baseline device-associated events and post-baseline removal-/placement-related events occurred more frequently with FOLFOX-4 than XELOX (11.5% vs 2.4% and 8.5% vs 2.1%). Pump malfunctions, primarily infusion accelerations in 16% of patients, occurred within 1.6–4.3% of cycles. Fluoropyrimidine-associated grade 3/4 toxicity was increased in FOLFOX-4-treated patients experiencing a malfunction compared with those who did not (97 out of 155 vs 452 out of 825 patients), predominantly with increased grade 3/4 neutropenia (53.5% vs 39.8%). Febrile neutropenia rates were comparable between patient cohorts±malfunction. Efficacy outcomes were similar in patient cohorts±malfunction.

Conclusions:

Central venous access device removal or replacement was common and more frequent in patients receiving FOLFOX-4. Pump malfunctions were also common and were associated with increased rates of grade 3/4 haematological adverse events. Oral fluoropyrimidine-based regimens may be preferable to infusional 5-FU based on these findings.