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

Expert consensus on the clinical application of totally implantable venous access devices in the upper arm (2022 Edition)

With the widespread adoption of ultrasound guidance, Seldinger puncture techniques, and intracardiac electrical positioning technology for the placement of peripherally inserted central catheters in recent years, an increasing number of medical staff and patients now accept peripheral placement of totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) in the upper arm. This approach has the advantage of completely avoiding the risks of hemothorax, pneumothorax, and neck and chest scarring. Medical specialties presently engaged in this study in China include internal medicine, surgery, anesthesiology, and interventional departments. However, command over implantation techniques, treatment of complications, and proper use and maintenance of TIVAD remain uneven among different medical units. Moreover, currently, there are no established quality control standards for implantation techniques or specifications for handling complications. Thus, this expert consensus is proposed to improve the success rate of TIVAD implantation via the upper-arm approach, reduce complication rates, and ensure patient safety. This consensus elaborates on the technical indications and contraindications, procedures and technical points, treatment of complications, and the use and maintenance of upper-arm TIVAD, thus providing a practical reference for medical staff.

Migração para veia hepática de cateter totalmente implantável para quimioterapia em paciente com carcinoma de mama: relato de caso

Resumo O cateter totalmente implantável (CTI) é utilizado na administração da quimioterapia. Em menos de 1% dos casos de complicação, pode ocorrer migração do CTI para quimioterapia para a circulação sistêmica. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever um caso de migração do CTI para a veia hepática. Uma paciente do sexo feminino, de 44 anos de idade, teve diagnóstico de câncer de mama com indicação de quimioterapia neoadjuvante. Realizou-se a implantação de cateter port-a-cath. Durante o procedimento de punção do cateter, houve retorno normal de sangue, e foi realizada infusão de soro fisiológico. Em seguida, houve um aumento de volume no local do port e não retorno de sangue à aspiração. A radiografia de tórax mostrou embolização do cateter em topografia hepática. Retirou-se o cateter pela técnica do laço (sem complicações), e a paciente recebeu alta no dia seguinte. Possíveis alterações no funcionamento do CTI devem chamar atenção da equipe responsável.

Hepatic vein migration of a totally implantable venous access port-a-cath for chemotherapy in a breast carcinoma patient: case report

Abstract A totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) is used for chemotherapy administration. Venous port migration to the systemic circulation occurs in less than 1% of complications. The aim of this study is to describe a case of TIVAP migration to the hepatic vein. A 44-year-old female patient with breast cancer was prescribed neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A port-a-cath was surgically implanted for chemotherapy. During the port puncture procedure, blood returned normally when aspirated. When the port was first accessed and flushed with saline solution, swelling was observed at the port site and blood could no longer be aspirated. A chest radiography showed catheter embolization in the region of the hepatic vein. The catheter was retrieved using a snare technique (without complications) and the patient was discharged the next day. The care team should be alert to possible TIIVAP malfunction.

Peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) in outpatient and inpatient oncological treatment

Purpose

So far there is little evidence on peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) in radiation oncology patients maintaining the access during the periods of ambulatory and hospital treatment.

Methods

A total of 522 PICC placements in 484 patients were performed between 11/2011 and 07/2016 at the Department of Radiation Oncology and analysed retrospectively for complications and treatment- and patient-related factors during ambulatory and hospital inpatient use. On initial hospitalization, all patients received a multimodal radio-oncological treatment consisting of radiation and intravenous therapy administered via the PICC.

Results

A total of 18,292 catheter days were documented. Median follow-up from catheter insertion to their removal was 37 days (1–97). The overall complication rate was 4.1 per 1000 catheter days (n = 75, 14.4%). Complications were similar between the cohort of outpatient 3.6 per 1000 catheter days and the cohort of inpatient 4.8 per 1000 catheter days (OR 0.976; 95% CI [0.598; 1.619]; p = 0.924). Severe bloodstream infections occurred at a rate of 0.60 per 1000 catheter days (n = 11, 2.1%), deep vein thrombosis at a rate of 0.82 per 1.000 catheter days (n = 15, 2.9%) and local inflammation at a rate of 1.26 per 1.000 catheter days (n = 23, 4.4%). Only immunotherapy could be identified as an independent risk factor for complications (OR 5.6; 95% CI [2.4; 13.1]; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Using PICC in outpatients is not associated with an elevated risk of complications. Particular attention should be payed to early identification of PICC associated bloodstream infections. Immunotherapy is an independent risk factor for local skin complication.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00520-019-05276-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The “Arm-to-Chest Tunneling” technique: A modified technique for arm placement of implantable ports or central catheters

Purpose:

Central venous catheters or “venous access devices” include totally implantable venous access devices or “ports,” peripherally inserted central catheters, and tunneled lines. Venous access devices are now the standard of care in patients requiring long-term intravenous drug administration. Arm venous access device placement is a valuable option for vascular access yet often complicated or rendered practically impossible by the condition and size of peripheral veins. We describe a modification of the arm venous access device implantation technique that we use in our department in order to offer this option to our patients, regardless of their peripheral veins condition.

Methods:

After ultrasound guided venous access of a suitable neck vein, we create a port pouch—in case of a totally implantable vascular access device—or a skin nick—in case of a venous access device—in the inner aspect of the mid-arm. Using a straight metal tunneler, we tunnel the line from the neck to the arm in two stages, externalizing and re-inserting the line into a skin nick made on the deltopectoral groove. We call this technique “Arm-to-Chest Tunneling” and use it to place venous access devices in the arm using a neck venous access.

Results:

The Arm-to-Chest Tunneling technique allows us to use larger arm venous access device catheters irrespective of the arm veins condition. Thus, this technique has the advantages of arm venous access device placement, with the added benefit of saving the arm veins.

Conclusion:

The “Arm-to-Chest Tunneling” method offers the alternative to place a venous access device in a more discreet site in the arm, even in cases in which arm veins are inadequate.

Infection of totally implantable venous access devices: A review of the literature

Totally implantable venous access devices, or ports, are essential in the therapeutic management of patients who require long-term intermittent intravenous therapy. Totally implantable venous access devices guarantee safe infusion of chemotherapy, blood transfusion, parenteral nutrition, as well as repeated blood samples. Minimizing the need for frequent vascular access, totally implantable venous access devices also improve the patient's quality of life. Nonetheless, totally implantable venous access devices are not free from complications. Among those, infection is the most relevant, affecting patients' morbidity and mortality-both in the hospital or outpatient setting-and increasing healthcare costs. Knowledge of pathogenesis and risk factors of totally implantable venous access device-related infections is crucial to prevent this condition by adopting proper insertion bundles and maintenance bundles based on the best available evidence. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of infection are of paramount importance. As a totally implantable venous access device-related infection occurs, device removal or a conservative approach should be chosen in treating this complication. For both prevention and therapy, antimicrobial lock is a major matter of controversy and a promising field for future clinical studies. This article reviews current evidences in terms of epidemiology, pathogenesis and risk factors, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of totally implantable venous access device-related infections.