Central Venous Access Port-related Complications in Outpatient Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer

Application of wireless energy transmission technology into central venous ports with light-emitting diodes

Implantable central venous (CV) ports are widely used for chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition. Generally, CV ports are used safely; however, some patients suffer from drug leakage around the port septum due to mispuncture. Therefore, we developed a CV port that is visible under the skin. We created a prototype of a CV port using a 3D printer. Three red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were attached around the septum that made the puncture site visible by applying wireless energy transmission technology using electromagnetic resonance. The CV port was implanted under the skin of pork rose meat. The thickness of the skin of pork loin was measured. Fifteen medical doctors participated in the study to visually confirm the lighted CV port. The visibility of the center of the septum with and without lights was scored 0 as non-diagnostic; 1, slightly visible; 2, well visible; and 3, obviously visible. The visibility with or without lights was assessed. The relationship between the years of experience and the visibility score was assessed. The Wilcoxon test was used for statistical analysis. LEDs were easily transmitted through the skin of pork rose meat. The median visibility scores with or without lights were 2 (range, 1-3) and 3 (range, 1-3), respectively (p = 0.005). No significant relationship was found between experience and visibility score (p = 0.289). CV ports with LEDs can be easily recognized compared with those without LEDs. This technique may contribute to medical safety by improving its visibility to avoid mispuncture.

How many times can patients tolerate reoperation for the local recurrence of colorectal cancer in terms of complications?

The frequency of resection for the recurrence of colorectal cancer has not been investigated in previous studies. Likewise, the related postoperative complications and the limit for indicating surgical resection has not been reported. Herein, we reported the complications of a highly frequent surgical approach for rectal cancer recurrence, i.e., exceeding three reoperations, based on our clinical experience. We included 15 cases exceeding two operations for the local recurrence of colorectal cancer from 2014 to 2019. We examined the postoperative complications classified as Clavien?Dindo IIIb. The positive rates of the complications were 0 (0.0%), 0 (0.0%), 2 (13.3%), 3 (37.5%), and 0 (0.0%) for the primary, 1st recurrent, 2nd recurrent, 3rd recurrent, and 4th recurrent operation group (p=0.027), respectively. It is important to exercise caution in handling cases exceeding two reoperations (exceeding three reoperations including the primary operation). J. Med. Invest. 70 : 369-376, August, 2023.

Effectiveness of a flow confirmation study of a central venous port of the upper arm versus the chest wall in patients with suspected system-related mechanical complications

Background

If mechanical complications associated with a central venous port (CVP) system are suspected, evaluation with a flow confirmation study (FCS) using fluorescence fluoroscopy or digital subtraction angiography should be performed. Evaluations of mechanical complications related to CVP of the chest wall using FCS performed via the subclavian vein have been reported. However, the delayed complications of a CVP placed in the upper arm have not been sufficiently evaluated in a large population. We evaluated the effectiveness of FCS of CVPs implanted following percutaneous cannulation of the subclavian (chest wall group) or brachial (upper arm group) vein.

Methods

A CVP was implanted in patients with advanced cancer requiring chemotherapy. FCS was performed if there were complaints suggestive of CVP dysfunction when initiating chemotherapy.

Results

CVPs were placed in the brachial vein in 390 patients and in the subclavian vein in 800 patients. FCS was performed in 26/390 (6.7%) patients in the upper arm group and 40/800 (5.0%) patients in the chest wall group. The clinical characteristics of the patients were similar in both groups. The duration of CVP implantation until FCS was significantly shorter in the upper arm group (136 ± 96.6 vs. 284 ± 260, p = 0.022). After FCS, the incidence of CVP removal/reimplantation being deemed unnecessary was higher in the upper arm group (21/26 [80.8%] vs. 26/40 [65.0%], p = 0.27). In the upper arm group, no cases of catheter kinking or catheter-related injury were observed, and the incidence of temporary obstruction because of blood clots that could be continued using CVP was significantly higher than that in the chest wall group (10/26 [38.5%] vs. 4/40 [10.0%], p = 0.012).

Conclusions

FCS was effective in evaluating CVP system-related mechanical complications and deciding whether removal and reimplantation were required in both groups.

The effect of chemotherapy type and timing among the other factors on patency of totally implantable vascular access devices in colorectal carcinoma

PURPOSE

Catheter-related complications are observed in infusion of chemotherapy, and these were encountered with targeted therapies. Our principle is to study non-mechanical effects of type and initiation time of chemotherapy among the other factors on patency of totally implantable vascular access devices (TIVAD) inserted in patients with colorectal carcinoma.

METHODS

This is a one-center retrospective cohort study. We analyzed TIVAD related complications in 624 patients with colorectal carcinoma. The patients were categorized by chemotherapy type (non-target-directed chemotherapy agents (Group A), bevacizumab (Group B), and cetuximab (Group C)). Additionally, we divided the patients into groups by the time interval between TIVAD insertion and chemotherapy initiation. According to our study, a 3-day period was optimal. Therefore, we named the groups as within 3 days and beyond 3 days, and called this process 3 days cut-off. Age, gender, jugular-subclavian access, platelet count, INR, the types of chemotherapy, and the initiation time of chemotherapy were investigated by survival tests. We compared chemotherapy type groups both one-by-one and combined into one group.

RESULTS

The TIVADs were removed due to the complications in 11 patients of Group A, 6 patients of Group B, and 3 patients of Group C. Only chemotherapy type was significant (p = 0.011) in Cox regression test. A clear difference (p = 0.010) was detected between the catheter patency of Group A and combination of Groups B and C, because of skin necrosis and thrombosis. Within 3 days of their first chemotherapy day, an important difference between Group A and Group C (p = 0.013) was observed in the TIVAD patency. The same observation was made between Group A and Group B (p = 0.007). Beyond this period, no major difference was detected (p = 0.341).

CONCLUSION

A major effect on catheter patency was detected by using the target-directed chemotherapy agent within 3 days, which should be considered in target-directed chemotherapy.

Repair of antegrade anastomosis between ileal segment and amputated ureter for recurrent rectal cancer

We describe a case of repair of the antegrade anastomosis between the "ileal segment" and amputated ureter for recurrent rectal cancer, in which some postoperative complications occurred but eventually resolved. If the length of the ureter is inadequate for end-to-end anastomosis, an ileal segment can be used as a conduit. This surgical technique is not difficult because an ileal conduit is typically created during total pelvic exenteration of rectal cancers. Therefore, anastomosing the ureter to an "ileal segment" is easy and feasible. Hence, we consider that knowledge of this technique would be beneficial for surgical oncologists who perform colorectal surgeries.

An analysis of the outcomes of totally implantable access port implantation performed by surgical residents

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes after totally implantable access port (TIAP) implantation performed by general surgery residents in patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods

A total of 291 consecutive patients who underwent TIAP implantations were evaluated. The patients were divided into three groups: second-, third-, and fourth-grade residents.

Results

The mean follow-up was 22.1 months (range, 1-87 months). The total times of operation, puncture, and cannulation decreased as the resident grade increased (P<0.001). Early complications significantly decreased with higher resident grades (P=0.039). The non-use of ultrasonography and non-use of C-arm were identified as independent risk factors for complications. Resident grades between second and third (P=0.005) and between second and fourth (P=0.041) were identified as independent risk factors for optimal tip position.

Conclusion

TIAP implantation can be safely and effectively performed by residents. Low-grade residents were associated with early complications.

The Safety Level of Total Central Venous Access Port Implantation Performed by Residents

OBJECTIVE

The implantation of totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs) is one of the first procedures surgical residents learn. Complications after implantation procedures have a major impact on patient outcomes, as it may lead to a delay of chemotherapy regimens or of parenteral nutrition. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes after totally implantable venous access ports implantations done by resident and attending surgeons.

DESIGN

The study was performed as a retrospective analysis.

SETTING

The study took place in primary care at the Department of General and Visceral Surgery at Frankfurt University Hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 760 primary totally implantable venous access ports implantations performed between March 2008 and December 2016 were included in a database. Three groups of surgeons doing the implantations were defined: Group A (residents alone), Group B (resident with help), and Group C (attending surgeons).

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between the surgeon groups in operation time (p < 0.001). The groups differed between Group A (mean, 49; SD, 22) and Group C (mean, 39; SD, 20); p < 0.001) and Group B (mean, 53; SD, 23) and Group C (mean, 39; SD, 20; p < 0.001). The incidence of surgical site infections between Groups A and C (3.6% vs. 0.3%; p = 0.003) and Groups B and C (2.5% vs. 0.3%; p = 0.027) differed also significantly. Based on multivariable logistic regression analysis operation time in minutes (OR, 1.04; 95%CI, 1.03-1.06; p < 0.001) was an independent risk factor for any intraoperative complications. For any postoperative complications younger age of the patient (OR, 0.98; 95%CI, 0.97-0.99; p = 0.004) and benign primary disease (OR, 3.25; 95%CI, 1.55-6.64; p = 0.002) were independent risk factors based on multivariable regression analysis. Based on multivariable regression analysis a lower body mass index of the patient (OR, 0.93; 95%CI, 0.86-0.99; p = 0.044), benign primary disease (OR, 2.89; 95%CI, 1.07-7.79; p = 0.036), and no chemotherapy (OR, 3.55; 95%CI, 1.50-8.39; p = 0.004) were independent risk factors for postoperative catheter infections. Surgeon group was no risk factor, neither for intraoperative and postoperative complications, nor for catheter explantation due to complications.

CONCLUSION

Residents performing alone or residents performing with help can safely handle a central venous access port implantation. In patients with several risk factors, however, an attending should assist.

A multi-method review of home-based chemotherapy

This study summarises research- and practice-based evidence on home-based chemotherapy, and explores existing delivery models. A three-pronged investigation was conducted consisting of a literature review and synthesis of 54 papers, a review of seven home-based chemotherapy programmes spanning four countries, and two case studies within the Canadian province of Ontario. The results support the provision of home-based chemotherapy as a safe and patient-centred alternative to hospital- and outpatient-based service. This paper consolidates information on home-based chemotherapy programmes including services and drugs offered, patient eligibility criteria, patient views and experiences, delivery structures and processes, and common challenges. Fourteen recommendations are also provided for improving the delivery of chemotherapy in patients' homes by prioritising patient-centredness, provider training and teamwork, safety and quality of care, and programme management. The results of this study can be used to inform the development of an evidence-informed model for the delivery of chemotherapy and related care, such as symptom management, in patients' homes.

Ultrasound-Guided Radiological Placement of Central Venous Port via the Subclavian Vein: A Retrospective Analysis of 500 Cases at a Single Institute

The purpose of this study was to assess the technical success rate and adverse events (AEs) associated with ultrasound (US)-guided radiological placement (RP) of a central venous port (CVP) via the subclavian vein (SCV). Between April 2006 and May 2007, a total of 500 US-guided RPs of a CVP via the SCV were scheduled in 486 cancer patients (mean age +/- SD, 54.1 +/- 18.1 years) at our institute. Referring to the interventional radiology report database and patients' records, technical success rate and AEs relevant to CVP placement were evaluated retrospectively. The technical success rate was 98.6% (493/500). AEs occurred in 26 cases (5.2%) during follow-up (range, 1-1080 days; mean +/- SD, 304.0 +/- 292.1 days). AEs within 24 h postprocedure occurred in five patients: pneumothorax (n = 2), arterial puncture (n = 1), hematoma formation at the pocket site (n = 2), and catheter tip migration into the internal mammary vein (n = 1). There were seven early AEs: hematoma formation at the pocket site (n = 2), fibrin sheath formation around the indwelling catheter (n = 2), and catheter-related infections (n = 3). There were 13 delayed AEs: catheter-related infections (n = 7), catheter detachments (n = 3), catheter occlusion (n = 1), symptomatic thrombus in the SCV (n = 1), and catheter migration (n = 1). No major AEs, such as procedure-related death, air embolism, or events requiring surgical intervention, were observed. In conclusion, US-guided RP of a CVP via the SCV is highly appropriate, based on its high technical success rate and the limited number of AEs.

Mechanical thrombolysis of thrombosed central venous port

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effectiveness of a mechanical thrombolysis for thrombosed central venous port (CVP).

METHODS

A total of 38 patients (22 women and 16 men, median age of 55 years) were referred to our interventional unit for thrombosed implanted CVPs. The period between CVP implantation and the initial suspicion of mechanical complication varied from 2 to 35 months (mean 11.5 months) and the interval since last use of the CVP averaged 47 days (range 28-324 days). Our mechanical thrombolysis technique was performed to fragment thrombus in the port chamber by whirling the floppy tip of 0.018-inch hair-wire. Only 19-gauge noncoring needle and 0.018-inch hire-wire were used without cut-down. After removing the hair-wire and placing a second needle, the fragmented thrombi was slowly aspirated with a negative pressure and the remnant thrombus was flushed out by pushing a saline fluid. The degree of fragmentation of thrombus was evaluated with posttreatment angiography; incomplete lysis was defined as more than 50 % of thrombus remaining, significant lysis was 10-50 % of initial thrombosis remaining, and near-complete lysis was less than 10 % thrombus remaining.

RESULTS

We observed near-complete lysis in 22 patients (58 %), significant lysis in 14 patients (37 %), and incomplete lysis in two patients (5 %). The technical success rate was 82 % (31 of 38 patients). There were no major or minor complications in the recovery room during a 30-min observation period or late complications at outpatient follow-up.

CONCLUSION

A mechanical thrombolysis technique can be used to dissolve thrombus effectively from thrombosed implanted CVP on an outpatient basis.

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.

Home administration of maintenance pemetrexed for patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer: rationale, practicalities and phase II feasibility study design

BACKGROUND

Home-based care in oncology is mainly reserved for patients at the end of life. Regulations regarding home delivery of cytotoxics differ across Europe, with a notable lack of practice guidelines in most countries. This has led to a lack of data addressing the feasibility of home-based administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy. In advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, pemetrexed is approved as maintenance therapy after first-line chemotherapy. In this setting, patients have the potential to be treated long-term with maintenance therapy, which, in the absence of unacceptable toxicity, is continued until disease progression. The favourable safety profile of pemetrexed and the ease of its administration by 10-minute intravenous infusion every 3 weeks make this drug a suitable candidate for administration in a home setting.

METHODS

Literature and regulations relevant to the home-based delivery of cytotoxic therapy were reviewed, and a phase II feasibility study of home administration of pemetrexed maintenance therapy was designed. At least 50 patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-1 and no progressive disease after four cycles of platinum-based first-line therapy are required to allow investigation of the feasibility of home-based administration of pemetrexed maintenance therapy (500 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks until progressive disease or unacceptable toxicity). Feasibility is being assessed as adherence to the home-based administration process (primary endpoint), patient safety, impact on patients' quality of life, patient and physician satisfaction with home care, and healthcare resource use and costs. Enrolment of patients from the UK and Sweden, where home-based care is relatively well developed, commenced in December 2011.

DISCUSSION

This feasibility study addresses an important aspect of maintenance therapy, that is, patient comfort during protracted home-based chemotherapy. The study design requires unusual methodology and specific logistics to address outcomes relevant to the home-delivery approach. This article presents a study design that offers a novel and reproducible model for home-based chemotherapy, and provides an up-to-date overview of the literature regarding this type of treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01473563.

Central venous port-related infection in patients with malignant tumors: an observational study

PURPOSE

We evaluated the characteristics of central venous port (CVP)-related infection with microbiological assessments in patients with malignant tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a prospective setting, patients with CVP for the treatment of malignant tumors were enrolled in this study. The incidence of CVP-related infection during three months was determined. Microbiological surveillance from skin swab was performed before and after CVP placement.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients were enrolled in this study, and 60 CVPs were implanted. Thirty-six (61%) patients had head and neck malignancies. Access route was subclavian vein in 43 (71.7%) CVPs and forearm vein in 17 (28.3%). CVP-related infection was observed in three (5.1%) patients: port-pocket infection in one and probable CVP-related infection in two patients, respectively. No definitive CVP-related bloodstream infection was observed. Before the placement of CVP, colonization at the insertion site was observed in ten subclavian CVP patients, while no colonization was observed in the forearm CVP patients. At 1 and 4 weeks, detection rates of colonization were also higher in subclavian CVP patients. No definitive relationship was demonstrated between skin colonization and clinical development of CVP-related infection.

CONCLUSION

The rate of CVP-related infection in this prospective evaluation in patients with malignant tumors was comparable to previous studies. Colonization of the skin was more prominent in the subclavian site than in the forearm site. Although skin colonization was not proven to be a risk factor of infection, these results may draw attention to the adequate maintenance of CVP. (

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN000003664).

Phase 2 study of modified irinotecan and bolus 5-fluorouracil/l-leucovorin in Japanese metastatic colorectal cancer patients

INTRODUCTION

Using the recommended doses obtained from our previous phase 1 trial of a modified Saltz chemotherapy regimen for metastatic colorectal cancer (weekly irinotecan and bolus 5-fluorouracil/l-leucovorin for 3 weeks every 28 days), we performed the present phase 2 trial to evaluate efficacy and toxicity.

METHODS

A total of 29 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were included. Our modified Saltz regimen was administered. The primary endpoint was overall response rate.

RESULTS

Of the 29 patients, 11 had previous chemotherapy. A partial response occurred in 11 patients, stable disease in 16 patients, and progressive disease in two patients. Disease control rate was 93.1%. Response rates with and without previous treatment were 18.2% and 50%, respectively. Median progression-free survival was 17.3 months. The main hematologic toxicities were leukopenia (22.6%) and neutropenia (45.2%). No treatment-related deaths occurred.

CONCLUSION

Our modified Saltz regimen exhibited sufficient efficacy, feasibility, and manageable toxicity as a therapeutic option for selected colorectal cancer patients.

Common and uncommon complications of totally implantable central venous ports: a pictorial essay

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to present the characteristic radiologic features of common and uncommon complications in totally implantable central venous ports.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The authors reviewed 138 implantations of central venous ports in oncologic patients during an 18-month period and present the characteristic imaging features of the complications detected.

RESULTS

All chest ports were placed via the internal jugular vein using both fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance. The technical success rate was 99.3% (137/138). All catheter or port-related complications were retrospectively assessed. Sixteen complications were detected during the follow-up period, and catheter removal was required in 10 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Image-guided central venous port catheter implantation is a very safe procedure with a low rate of complications. The typical imaging features of common and uncommon complications are very helpful in establishing the correct diagnosis and thus tailoring the appropriate therapy.