Totally implantable femoral vein catheters in cancer patients

Totally implanted central venous access devices inserted by the femoral route: A narrative review and the proposal of a novel approach, the FICC-port

BACKGROUND

Femoral ports are used in patients with indication to a totally implanted venous access device but with contraindication to chest-ports and brachial ports because of obstruction of the superior vena cava. In the last three decades, femoral ports have been implanted almost exclusively by cannulation of the common femoral vein at the groin, while the position of the tip has been assessed by X-ray.

METHODS

We report our experience with a new approach to femoral ports, which includes recent methods and techniques developed in the last few years. These novel femoral ports, which we call "FICC-ports," are characterized by (a) long femoral 5 Fr polyurethane catheter inserted by ultrasound-guided puncture of the superficial femoral vein at mid-thigh; (b) intraprocedural location of the tip in the sub-diaphragmatic inferior vena cava, using ultrasound visualization by the transhepatic and/or the subcostal view; (c) low-profile or very low-profile reservoir implanted above the quadriceps muscle, at mid-thigh.

RESULTS

In the last 3 years, we have implanted 47 FICC-ports in young adults with mediastinal lymphoma compressing the superior vena cava. We had no immediate/early complication, and only three late complications (one kinking of the catheter in the subcutaneous tissue; one tip migration with secondary venous thrombosis; one persistent withdrawal occlusion due to fibroblastic sleeve).

CONCLUSION

If there is indication to a femoral port, the implantation of a "FICC-port"-as described above-is to be strongly considered in terms of safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness: no immediate-early complications, minimal late complications, no X-ray exposure, low invasiveness, low cost.

Femoral placement of a totally implantable venous access port with spontaneous catheter fracture: case report

Background

The incidence of catheter fracture after standard positioning of a totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) is reported to be 1.1%–5.0%; however, the incidence of catheter fracture after TIVAP implantation at a femoral site remains unclear.

Case presentation

In a 30-year-old man with angiosarcoma of the right atrium, tumor embolism was observed from the left brachiocephalic vein to the superior vena cava. A TIVAP was implanted in the right femur. A catheter fracture was spontaneously observed after 7 months.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of catheter fracture in a TIVAP implantation at a femoral site.

Arm mobilization provokes deformity of long-term indwelling ports implanted via the jugular vein

BACKGROUND

The incidence of totally implantable catheter fracture ranges from 0.48% to 5.00%, and these fractures represent a potentially fatal complication. The fracture mechanism of catheters implanted via the jugular vein is unclear, and whether extreme arm movements represent an additional risk factor for repetitive stress of the material remains unknown. The aim of this study was to demonstrate and classify catheter deformations caused by extreme arm mobilization and associations with changes in catheter function and displacement.

METHODS

We analyzed the fluoroscopy images of 60 consecutive patients undergoing long-term indwelling port implantation via the jugular vein. Three images were taken: arm in maximal abduction, maximal frontal elevation, and maximal adduction. The images were compared with an image of the remainder of the arm. We analyzed three catheter regions to classify the deformity: A, connection between catheter and reservoir; B, the catheter's subcutaneous tunnel; and C, the catheter's entrance in the jugular vein. The deformations were classified in comparative manner as follows: 0 (no changes), 1 (minor changes, new slightly curvatures with an angle of >90°), and 2 (major changes, new severe curvatures with angles of ≤90°). In each position, catheter function (injection and aspiration) and displacement of the reservoir and tip were analyzed.

RESULTS

Only 15% of patients did not show a deformity; 33.3% had a deformity in only one position, 47.7% in two positions, and 10% in three positions. Minor deformities were observed in 70% of patients and major deformities in 40%. Moreover, 25% of patients presented both major and minor deformities. Major deformities were observed in 25.0% of patients on maximal frontal elevation, in 23.3% on maximal adduction and in none on maximal abduction. Region B was the most affected, with 57.8% of all minor deformities and 78.1% of all major deformities. No change in function was noted in 91.7% of the catheters. Maximal arm adduction resulted in greater vertical and horizontal displacement of the catheter tip and horizontal displacement of the reservoir. Higher body mass index values were associated with major deformities.

CONCLUSIONS

Maximal frontal elevation and maximal adduction were associated with major catheter deformities, and the subcutaneous tunnel region was the most deformed catheter region. An association between major catheter deformity and high body mass index was noted; in contrast, no association between the severity of catheter deformity, tip or reservoir displacement, or worsened functioning was observed.

Evaluation of the Activity of Heparin Injected into the Fully Implantable Catheter for Chemotherapy (Portocath) between Two Moments of Use

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to analyze whether heparin, used as a lock in fully implantable catheter for chemotherapy (portocath), maintains its activity even if it remains in the catheter for a long period of time.

METHODS

According to the institutional protocol, all catheters routinely use the lock solution with 3 mL of heparinized solution after chemotherapy and the time interval between each change as lock in the catheters studied ranged from 7 to 30 days. A total of 25 blood samples from 22 patients with 6 types of neoplasia on chemotherapy or not were collected according to routine, and the 10 mL of liquid contained in the first aspirated reservoir/catheter (corresponding to the lock of the last section), were sent for laboratory analysis for prospectively studied with the following tests: anti-Xa, partially activated thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), reptilase, and thromboelastogram.

RESULTS

Heparin activity was found in 96% of the anti-Xa and APTT tests. In relation to TT, 92% presented activity. The reptilase test was performed on 24 samples with significant time reduction in all of them. In the INTEM stage, the thromboelastometry test showed activity in 92% of samples and in the HEPTEM phase there was reduction in time in all samples. In all samples, the heparin activity was found to be independent of the time of use.

CONCLUSIONS

We can conclude that lock of heparinized solution used in our service in fully implantable central venous catheters for chemotherapy was maintained with active heparin even after a long period of time (up to 30 days), demonstrating that the half-life of the substance within the catheter is greater than its plasma half-life.

Risk factors for complications in cancer patients with totally implantable access ports: A retrospective study and review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the risk factors for complications associated with the use of totally implantable access ports (TIAPs) in cancer patients.

METHODS

Data for 2,713 cancer patients who received a TIAP between January 2010 and September 2016 at a single center were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

The average age of the patients was 54.2 ± 9.92 years, and 1,247 (47.5%) were women. The right subclavian vein was the preferred insertion site. Seventy-seven patients developed early complications and 50 developed late complications. The incidence of complications increased as the number of punctures increased. Percutaneous intervention increased the risk of complications during port insertion, but age, sex, body mass index, and the use of physiological saline solution instead of heparin for washing after port insertion did not increase the risk. The use of ultrasonography during insertion reduced the risk of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Various factors may affect the function of TIAPs in cancer patients both during insertion and follow-up. Age, sex, body mass index, and the use of physiological saline solution for washing did not affect the incidence of complications, but the use of ultrasonography during insertion did affect the complication rate.

Review and Case Studies of Midthigh Femoral Central Venous Catheter Placement

Background: Bedside vascular access options have been limited to the short peripheral intravenous, midline catheter, peripherally inserted central catheter, and central venous catheter (CVC) insertion sites such as the jugular, subclavian, and femoral vein. Many patients with limited options for upper extremity, subclavicular, supraclavicular, and cervical limitations have traditionally received a femoral CVC in the inguinal region. This insertion site is considered a high risk for infection because of its location in the inguinal region and associated difficulties with maintaining the dressing integrity. An alternative location was selected for the insertion of a femoral vein central venous catheter in the midthigh to reduce the risk of infection.

Methods: After a multiple-year implementation process, midthigh femoral (MTF) insertions were performed on a select group of patients. The case studies that are included in this report outline the indications, procedures, and other pertinent aspects of the MTF placement. Patients at this institution with contraindications to upper extremity and thoracic catheter insertion received a MTF vein CVC in place of a traditional common femoral vein catheter insertion in the inguinal area. All procedural consents include permission for photography of procedure sites.

Results: All but a single patient completed their therapy without complication; 1 intentional dislodgement by a patient was recorded. There were no MTF catheter-related bloodstream infections and 2 confirmed central line associated bloodstream infections (n = 2 of 100) with the second noted as probable contaminated specimen. Outcomes reflected no procedural complications (eg, expanding hematoma or femoral nerve injury or any other femoral artery or vein injuries) and 1 nonocclusive deep vein thrombosis (n = 1 of 100).

Conclusions: The MTF CVC provides an alternative to traditional common femoral vein catheter placement for nonemergent patients with upper extremity and thoracic contraindications to central line placement.

Central venous access port placement by translumbar approach using angio-CT unit in patients with superior vena cava syndrome

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical results of central venous access port (CV port) placement by translumbar inferior vena cava cannulation using angio-CT unit for cancer patients with superior vena cava syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A CV port was placed by translumbar inferior vena cava cannulation using an angio-CT unit, in 14 consecutive patients. All patients had occlusion or advanced stenosis of the superior vena cava due to cancer progression.

RESULTS

The technical success rate of the percutaneous translumbar CV port placement was 100%. The only complication related to port placement was bleeding in the right iliopsoas muscle seen on CT in one patient, but it stopped with conservative treatment. The mean initial device service interval was 125 days (range 6-448 days). Complications in the chronic phase occurred in two patients, one with catheter-related infection and the other with catheter breakage, for a rate of 0.44/1000 catheter days. In the patient with the broken catheter, the port chamber placement site was cut and replaced with a new catheter by guidewire exchange.

CONCLUSIONS

CV port placement with translumbar inferior vena cava cannulation using an angio-CT unit for cancer patients with superior vena cava syndrome was safe and effective.

Cateteres venosos totalmente implantáveis: histórico, técnica de implante e complicações

O acesso ao sistema venoso, seja para coleta de amostras de sangue ou para infusão de soluções, é de vital importância para o diagnóstico e tratamento de pacientes com as mais variadas condições clínicas. Desde que Harvey, em 1616, descreveu o sistema circulatório a partir de estudos em animais e que Sir Christopher Wren, 4 décadas depois, realizou a primeira infusão endovenosa em seres vivos, a evolução na técnica de acesso e nos dispositivos para infusão tem sido constante. Merece destaque a criação dos cateteres de longa duração na década de 1970, em especial os totalmente implantáveis, que revolucionaram o tratamento do câncer, aumentando a segurança e o conforto dos pacientes oncológicos. Este artigo tem como objetivo a revisão de dados históricos relativos ao acesso vascular e a discussão da técnica de implante e das principais complicações associadas ao procedimento de colocação e ao uso dos cateteres totalmente implantáveis.

Brachial insertion of fully implantable venous catheters for chemotherapy: complications and quality of life assessment in 35 patients

Objective

To prospectively evaluate the perioperative safety, early complications and satisfaction of patients who underwent the implantation of central catheters peripherally inserted via basilic vein.

Methods

Thirty-five consecutive patients with active oncologic disease requiring chemotherapy were prospectively followed up after undergoing peripheral implantation of indwelling venous catheters, between November 2013 and June 2014. The procedures were performed in the operating room by the same team of three vascular surgeons. The primary endpoints assessed were early postoperative complications, occurring within 30 days after implantation. The evaluation of patient satisfaction was based on a specific questionnaire used in previous studies.

Results

In all cases, ultrasound-guided puncture of the basilic vein was feasible and the procedure successfully completed. Early complications included one case of basilic vein thrombophlebitis and one case of pocket infection that did not require device removal. Out of 35 patients interviewed, 33 (94.3%) would recommend the device to other patients.

Conclusion

Implanting brachial ports is a feasible option, with low intraoperative risk and similar rates of early postoperative complications when compared to the existing data of the conventional technique. The patients studied were satisfied with the device and would recommend the procedure to others.

Totally implantable venous access port via the femoral vein in a femoral port position with CT-venography

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We aimed to determine the success rate and any complications using a percutaneous approach to the femoral vein (FV) for placement of a totally implantable access port (TIVAP), with a preoperative assessment of the femoral and iliac veins using computed tomography-venography (CT-V).

METHODS

A prospective study of 72 patients was conducted where placement of a TIVAP was attempted via the right FV, with the port placed in the anterior thigh, when subclavian vein or jugular vein access was contraindicated. Preoperative assessment of the femoral venous plexus was performed with CT-V in 72 patients.

RESULTS

CT-V success was achieved in 72 of 72 patients (100%). The average distance between the inguinal ligament and the saphenofeomral (FV-GSV) junction was 42.8 ± 12.9 mm. The FV approach had a 97% successful cannulation rate. Two patients had a thrombosis in either the femoral vein or the great saphenous vein. One procedural complication (1.4%) and one initial complication (1.4%) occurred. Late complications occurred in four patients (5.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

The percutaneous FV approach with CT-V guidance is an option for patients with multiple central venous cannulations, as well as those with bilateral breast cancer, or those undergoing hemodialysis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:1024-1028. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Femoral Placement of Totally Implantable Venous Access Ports in Patients with Bilateral Breast Cancer

Purpose: Aim of this study was to determine the rate of complications following femoral placement of totally implantable venous access ports (f-TIVAP) in women with bilateral breast cancer, with a special focus on long-term function, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and port infection. Methods: 73 patients with bilateral breast cancer treated between October 2000 and January 2013 with placement of an f-TIVAP using a transfemoral approach were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were followed up, and all complications of f-TIVAP were recorded. Results: The median age was 62.5 years (range: 35-86 years). Four patients received f-TIVAP under local anesthesia, and 69 underwent placement under general anesthesia. Mean follow-up was 33.7 months (SD 25.9; range: 0.2-93.5 months). Complications over the entire period of observation included infections in 21 %, DVT in 19 % and catheter occlusion in 12 %. Patients receiving chemotherapy who developed leukopenia were more likely to experience DVT at the access site (p = 0.037). There was a trend towards a higher infection rate when the device was used more often (p = 0.084). Conclusion: Although the rates of complications in the longer term, especially device infections and DVTs, appeared to be relatively high, TIVAP implantation using femoral vein access is recommended in patients with bilateral breast cancer not suitable for cephalic vein cut-down.

The surgery of the long-term central venous accesses in oncology

The implantation of Long-Term Central Venous Catheters (LTCVC) in cancer patients has been essential to conduct the oncological treatments of today. The complexity of the protocols requires accuracy on the management of such devices in order to keep them long-functioning. The article focuses on such subject from an oncological perspective, pointing out threats of the disease to the central venous system (CVS) and the ways to face them successfully. The most salient points related to surgical techniques and the insights to follow-up long-term inserted catheters are discussed. An anatomical classification is suggested to help understand occurrence of malpositions and to north the necessary maneuvers of repositioning. Such matters are based on 3000 LTCVC-placements performed by the author at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA) between 1999 and 2011. As nearly 30% of the patients presented some sort of anatomical disorder at the moment of the surgery, it was judged worthy to address such experience to those young surgical oncologists willing to tackle LTCVCs in Cancer Units.

Peroperative Electrocardiographic Control of Catheter Tip Position during Implantation of Femoral Venous Ports

Purpose

Electrocardiographic (ECG) guidance has been shown to be as effective than fluoroscopy to position the tip of central venous devices close to the superior vena cava (SVC)–right atrium (RA) junction. When SVC access is contraindicated, a femoral access may be used. The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the effectiveness of ECG guidance to position the tip of femoral ports at inferior vena cava (IVC)–RA junction.

Methods

Inclusion criterion was the need for femoral port implantation. After insertion of the dilator in the femoral vein, the catheter with the guide wire inside was introduced and the ECG signal collected at the tip of the guide (Celsite™ ECG, B. Braun, Germany) or via saline injected in the catheter (Nautilus™, Perouse, France). Fluoroscopy was performed at each change of the P-wave from IVC to RA. A final X-ray was performed after withdrawing the catheter 2 cm below the first P-wave change.

Results

A total of 18 patients were included between December 2011 and June 2013. The P-wave was most often negative in IVC, biphasic when the catheter entered RA and giant and positive at the top of RA. When the catheter was withdraw 2 cm below the first biphasic P-wave the tip was just below the IVC–RA junction in 17 patients. In one patient P-wave changes were not significant and the final position was adjusted under fluoroscopy.

Conclusions

ECG guidance is effective to assess catheter tip position during femoral port placement and avoids the need for radiological methods.

Fracture and migration into the coronary sinus of a totally implantable catheter introduced via the right internal jugular vein

There has been an increase in the use of totally implantable devices. Catheter fractures are rare but known complications. This case report presents a rare migration site of the catheter fragment into the coronary sinus. The totally implantable catheter was introduced into the right internal jugular vein to deliver chemotherapy. Although it was an unusual site, the catheter fragment was removed without complications using loop-snare technique.

Central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections in pediatric hematology-oncology patients and effectiveness of antimicrobial lock therapy

BACKGROUND

Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is a serious complication in hematology-oncology patients. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of CLABSI and the effectiveness of antimicrobial lock therapy (ALT) in pediatric patients.

METHODS

BSIs of all pediatric hematology-oncology patients admitted to a children's hospital between January 2009 and December 2013 were reviewed. The United States National Healthcare Safety Network and Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines were used to define CLABSI and catheter-related BSI (CRBSI). The incidence, laboratory and microbiology characteristics, poor outcome, and effectiveness of ALT were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 246 cases of CLABSI in 146 patients (mean age, 10.0 years), including 66 (26.8%) cases of CRBSI. The incidence of CLABSI was 4.49/1000 catheter-days, and the infection was responsible for 32.9% of the complications these patients developed and 9.3% of contributable mortality. Patients with acute myeloid leukemia had the highest infection density (5.36/1000 patient-days). Enterobacteriaceae (40.2%) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS; 20.7%) were the predominant pathogens. In multivariate analysis, older age, male sex, elevated C-reactive protein, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and candidemia were associated with poor outcome. The success rate of ALT was 58.6% (17/29) for the treatment of CoNS and 78.3% (29/37) for Enterobacteriaceae infections. Patients with candidemia (n = 18) had the highest mortality (33.4%) and catheter removal rate (66.7%). Chlorhexidine as the disinfectant decreased the 1-year CLABSI rate from 13.7/1000 to 8.4/1000 catheter-days (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

CoNS and Enterobacteriaceae are the predominant pathogens in CLABSI among pediatric hematology-oncology patients. ALT is effective and showed no significant side effect. New disinfection practice and infection control measures can decrease CLABSI.

Femoral placement of totally implantable venous power ports as an alternative implantation site for patients with central vein occlusions

PURPOSE

To evaluate the indication, technical success, clinical outcome and safety of percutaneously placed totally implantable venous power ports (TIVPPs) in a femoral position in patients with contraindications to implantation in a standard position.

METHODS

Retrospectively, we screened our interventional radiology department database between 12/2,009 and 3/2,013 to identify 1,729 patients with a port implantation. In 8/1,729 (0.47 %) patients (1 male, 7 female, mean age 55.5 ± 9.6 years) the TIVPP was implanted via the common femoral vein with the port placed in the anterior thigh. All devices were high-pressure injectable, implanted under local anaesthesia with sonographic as well as fluoroscopic guidance, and were tunnelled subcutaneously. Indication, technical success and complications were retrospectively analysed according to the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) criteria.

RESULTS

Indications were planned chemotherapy for breast (n = 6) and oesophagus cancer (n = 1) as well as need for long-term central venous access for intravenous therapy (n = 1) with a contraindication to or failed implantation in a standard position owing to central vein occlusions. Technical success was 100 %. A number of five devices were placed in the right, three in the left thigh. Altogether 1,979 catheter days were analysed. One device was explanted owing to infection after 84 days (late complication, 0.05/100 catheter days). No early complication was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that if implantation of a TIVPP is not favourable in a standard chest, upper arm or forearm position, femoral placement of the device may alternatively be used safely and with high technical success.

Femoral tunneled central venous catheters for terminally ill patients with cancer

BACKGROUND

Oral administration of medication is often difficult in terminally ill patients with cancer. These patients require intravenous routes for high-dose opioid administration and/or parenteral nutrition. When the superior vena cava (SVC) is unsuitable for central vein catheter insertion (i.e., in patients with mediastinal masses involving the SVC), alternative access routes are needed. Of these, the femoral vein is most utilized. In our experience, the femoral tunneled catheter (FTC) is easy and safe to use. We retrospectively studied FTC outcomes in terminally ill patients with cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Charts of consecutive patients admitted to the palliative care unit between April 2008 and December 2011 were reviewed. FTC is inserted into the vein by the single-puncture method using a 16-gauge catheter with a 14-gauge peel-away introducer.

RESULTS

Eleven patients underwent FTC insertion. In total, there were 207 days of FTC placement; the mean period in place was 19±15 days. Eight patients received parenteral opioid therapy, high doses in four cases, via FTCs. Complications were incidental arterial puncture and poor infusion rate due to hip joint bending in one case each. Neither catheter-related infection nor clinical venous thrombosis occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

FTCs were successfully inserted, with a low complication rate. FTC, a simple technique, might be an acceptable alternative in selected terminally ill patients with cancer, when SVC insertion is difficult or contraindicated.

Totally Implantable Venous Catheters: Insertion via Internal Jugular Vein with Pocket Implantation in the Arm is an Alternative for Diseased Thoracic Walls

Purpose

Insertion of totally implantable catheters via deep vessels that drain into the superior vena cava results in a lower incidence of venous thrombosis and infection as compared to catheters inserted into femoral and arm veins. Superior vena cava obstruction and inadequacy of the thoracic wall are conditions that prevent reservoir implantation in the chest wall. In this article, we describe a technical innovation that enables the pocket to be fixed in the arm while still allowing access to be achieved via the internal jugular vein.

Method

The procedure reported maintains the use of the internal jugular vein for access even when the patient's chest is not suited for reservoir implantation, which is localized in the arm.

Results

The procedure was successful and no complications occurred. The position of the catheter tip did not alter with arm movement.

Conclusion

The implantation of a port reservoir in the arm following venous access via the internal jugular vein is both safe and convenient.

Cutdowns for Totally Implantable Access Ports to Central Veins

For insertion of totally implantable access ports, with the catheter end in the superior vena cava, the percutaneous (Seldinger) technique is commonly used. Of cutdowns, the cephalic vein cutdown is the most popular one (success rate about 80%), followed by the external jugular vein cutdown. Our preliminary experience suggests that internal jugular vein and basilic vein cutdowns have the anatomic features to prove both of them superior to the cephalic vein cutdown.

Perviedade e complicações no seguimento de cateteres venosos totalmente implantáveis para quimioterapia

CONTEXTO: A disponibilidade de acesso venoso nos pacientes que recebem cursos prolongados de terapia citotóxica é de grande importância para o sucesso do tratamento. Os cateteres totalmente implantáveis vêm sendo cada vez mais utilizados para a referida terapia, proporcionando melhoria na qualidade de vida dos doentes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a perviedade e complicações dos cateteres venosos totalmente implantáveis instalados nos pacientes oncológicos. MÉTODOS: Estudo longitudinal retrospectivo com 74 pacientes submetidos a colocação de cateter totalmente implantável de janeiro de 2004 a fevereiro de 2007. RESULTADOS: Foram inseridos cateteres venosos totalmente implantáveis em 74 pacientes com idade média 48,9 anos, predominando o sexo feminino. As neoplasias mais prevalentes foram mama (40,5%), cólon (20,8%) e linfoma (18,9%). Houve predomínio do acesso venoso pela via cervical (74,3%), com utilização da veia jugular interna em 45,9% dos casos. Somente 13,5% dos acessos ocorreram por punção da veia subclávia. A duração média de uso dos cateteres foi de 335,33 dias. Trinta e seis doentes (48,6%) mantiveram-se com o cateter após o término da quimioterapia. Sessenta e sete doentes (90,5%) não apresentaram complicações. Entre as complicações precoces, houve um (1,4%) pneumotórax e um (1,4%) hematoma na loja de implantação. Entre as complicações tardias, ocorreram cinco (6,7%) infecções. Foram retirados 10 (13,5%) cateteres, cinco devido às complicações e cinco por término do tratamento. Houve 11 (14,9%) óbitos de pacientes em decorrência do câncer, com o cateter funcionante. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados obtidos demonstram baixa taxa de complicações, confirmando a segurança e conveniência do uso dos acessos totalmente implantáveis em paciente em regime de quimioterapia.

A safe and effective method to implant a totally implantable access port in patients with synchronous bilateral mastectomies: modified femoral vein approach

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to develop a modified method to implant a totally implantable access port (TIAP) using the femoral vein approach.

METHODS

We designed a modified method using the femoral vein approach to implant a TIAP in patients with synchronous bilateral breast cancer requiring bilateral mastectomy and postoperative chemotherapy. TIAP implantation was performed with parenteral sedation and local anesthesia in the operating room. All patients were followed for at least 12 months and the complications of TIAP were recorded.

RESULTS

In this retrospective study, 86 patients received the TIAP using the modified femoral vein approach. All patients had a history of bilateral breast cancer and underwent bilateral mastectomy. The early complication rate within the first 30 postoperative days was 2.3% and involved groin hematoma caused by missed puncture to the femoral artery during the operation. The late postoperative complication rates were 2.3% caused by local port infection, 1.2% by groin wound infection, and 3.5% by catheter occlusion. There were no complications associated with TIAP disconnection or systemic infection.

CONCLUSION

Traditional implantation of TIAP through the subclavian vein or cephalic vein is simple and is used worldwide. However, both the percutaneous puncture and cutdown methods have limitations and risks. We describe a safe and effective method using the modified femoral vein approach for specific patients.

Use of vascular access ports with intrathoracic drains for treatment of pleural effusion in three dogs

CASE DESCRIPTION

3 dogs (9 to 12 years old) were evaluated because of recurrent pleural effusion that was refractory to treatment of the underlying cause.

CLINICAL FINDINGS

Dogs were evaluated because of cough, dyspnea, tachypnea, or lethargy or a combination of these clinical signs. Radiography, ultrasonography, or thoracocentesis were used to confirm the presence of pleural fluid in each dog. A neoplastic cause of pleural effusion was confirmed in 2 dogs. In 1 dog, fasciitis of the mediastinum and the left parietal pleura was diagnosed, with no evidence of neoplasia.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME

Each dog was anesthestized, and thoracotomy was performed with manual perforation of the mediastinum. Permanent, subcutaneously placed vascular access ports were attached to intrathoracic, Jackson-Pratt drain tubing for repeated drainage of pleural fluid. Drains were used successfully in the 3 dogs for periods of 6 weeks, 11 weeks, and > 3 years.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Findings suggest that subcutaneous vascular access ports attached to intrathoracic drain tubing may be an effective way to remove recurrent pleural effusion in dogs.

Vena cava filters in cancer patients: experience with 50 patients

OBJECTIVE

To study the immediate and late results obtained from the implantation of vena cava filters in cancer patients with deep vein thrombosis concomitant with neoplasia.

METHODS

This was a retrospective evaluation of 50 patients with an association of cancer and deep venous thrombosis who underwent interruption of the inferior vena cava and the insertion of permanent vena cava filters. The indications for the procedure, filter implantation technique, early and late complications related to the operation, and the clinical evolution were evaluated.

RESULTS

The most frequent indication for filter implantation was the contraindication for full anticoagulant treatment (80%). The femoral vein was the preferred access route (86% of the patients). There were no complications related to the surgical procedure. During the follow-up, the following complications were observed: 1 episode of nonfatal pulmonary thromboembolism, 2 cases of occlusion of the inferior vena cava, and 1 case of thrombus retained in the device. Twenty patients (40%) died due to progression of the neoplasm.

CONCLUSIONS

Interruption of the inferior cava vein using an endoluminal filter is a procedure with a low rate of complications. It is a safe and efficient measure for preventing pulmonary embolism in cancer patients who have deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs.