The impact of antithrombotic prophylaxis on infectious complications in cancer patients with central venous catheters: an observational study

Late complications associated with totally implantable venous access port implantation via the internal jugular vein

PURPOSE

Several studies have analyzed late complications associated with totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAP) implantation via the internal jugular vein (IJV); however, the reported results are inconclusive. The aim of the study is to elucidate the characteristics and risk factors of late complications associated with TIVAP implantation via the IJV.

METHODS

The study included 482 patients who underwent TIVAP implantation for long-term chemotherapy and/or nutritional support between April 2012 and December 2017. Most patients (95.2%) had malignant diseases. Events requiring TIVAP removal were defined as TIVAP-related complications.

RESULTS

The median TIVAP and global follow-ups were 319 days (IQR 152-661) and 218,971 catheter days, respectively. The 3-year cumulative TIVAP availability rate was 70%. There were 44 complications (incidence of 9.1%; 0.201 complications/1000 catheter days). Infectious, catheter-related, and port-related complications occurred in 21, 14, and 9 patients, respectively with infectious complications occurring earlier and more frequently than catheter- and port-related complications. Multivariate analysis revealed that age < 65 years and presence of non-gastrointestinal diseases were significant unfavorable factors for TIVAP-related complications. Patients with 1 and 2 of these factors had an elevated risk (2.2 and 5.4 times, respectively) compared with those without.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the late complications associated with TIVAP implantation via the IJV, infectious complications occur earlier and more frequently than catheter- and port-related complications. Patients with an age < 65 years and having non-gastrointestinal diseases have a significantly high risk of TIVAP-related complications.

Central venous access port devices - a pictorial review of common complications from the interventional radiology perspective

Portacaths are tunnelled and totally implanted central venous access port devices (CVAPD). They are commonly used for intravenous antibiotic delivery in patients with cystic fibrosis. More recently, they are being used in oncology to deliver chemotherapy and apheresis. It is therefore important to be aware of portacath associated complications and their imaging features. This pictorial review illustrates and discusses common complications associated with Portacath devices.