Use of N-butyl cyanoacrylate in implantation of a port-catheter system for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with the fixed-catheter-tip method: is it necessary?

Evaluation of percutaneous unilateral trans-femoral implantation of side-hole port-catheter system with coil only fixed-catheter-tip for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy

Background

The technique for arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) is not standardized which limits its widely application. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term functionality and complications of port-catheter system using percutaneous unilateral trans-femoral implantation with coil only fixed-catheter-tip method.

Methods

From January 2013 to January 2017, 205 consecutive patients (138 men; aged 28–88 years; mean, 59.1 ± 11.2 years) with unresectable malignant liver tumors underwent percutaneous implantation of side-hole infusion port-catheter into hepatic artery using coil only fixed-catheter-tip method via the unilateral femoral artery. Technical success, procedure time, duration of port functionality, and complications of port dysfunction were investigated.

Results

Implantation technical success was 98.5% and the procedure time was 59.1 ± 10.2 min. Predictable functionality of the port-catheter system at 6-, 12-, and 24 months were 97.5, 89.9, 70.5%, respectively. Complications of port irreversible dysfunction were hepatic artery obstruction (4.0%), catheter occlusion (3.5%), and catheter dislocation (0.5%). Median 5 HAIC cycles (range: 1–14 cycles) were received via port.

Conclusion

Percutaneous unilateral trans-femoral implantation of a side-hole port-catheter with coils only fixed-catheter-tip method is a simple and feasible interventional technique for HAIC which offers long-term functionality.

Mechanical characteristics of plastic base Ports and impact on flushing efficacy

Background

Three types of totally implantable venous access devices, Ports, are currently in use: titanium, plastic (polyoxymethylene, POM), and mixed (titanium base with a POM shell). Physics theory suggests that the interaction between a non-coring needle (NCN, made of stainless steel) and a plastic base would lead to the stronger material (steel) altering the more malleable material (plastic).

Objectives

To investigate whether needle impacts can alter a plastic base’s surface, thus potentially reducing flushing efficacy.

Study design and methods

A Port made of POM was punctured 200 times with a 19-gauge NCN. Following the existing guidelines, the needle tip pricked the base with each puncture. The Port’s base was then examined using a two-dimensional optical instrument, and a bi-dimensional numerical simulation using COMSOL^® was performed to investigate potential surface irregularities and their impact on fluid flow.

Results

Each needle impact created a hole (mean depth, 0.12 mm) with a small bump beside it (mean height, 0.02 mm) the Reynolds number Re_k≈10. A numerical simulation of the one hole/bump set showed that the flushing efficacy was 60% that of flushing along a flat surface.

Discussion

In clinical practice, the number of times a Port is punctured depends on patient and treatment characteristics, but each needle impact on the plastic base may increase the risk of decreased flushing effectiveness. Therefore, the more a plastic Port is accessed, the greater the risk of microorganisms, blood products, and medication accumulation.

Conclusions

Multiple needle impacts created an irregular surface on the Port’s base, which decreased flushing efficacy. Clinical investigation is needed to determine whether plastic base Ports are associated with an increased risk of Port infection and occlusion compared to titanium base Ports.

Impact of the shape of the needle tip on the efficacy of flushing implantable port chambers

INTRODUCTION

To follow international guidelines and protect healthcare workers from needle stick injuries, manufacturers now provide safety non-coring needles.

METHODS

Numerical simulations show the potential efficacy of infusion and flushing flow in straight and curved side wall port chambers from a beveled non-coring needle (BNCN) or a bevel-free cannula (BFC).

RESULTS

In straight and curved side wall port chambers, the stream of flow with a BNCN is determined by the direction of the bevel, whereas the outlet stream from a BFC leads to a cylindrical symmetric flow. This, along with the position of the BFC impacts the wall shear rate of the port chamber, and the hydraulic resistance within the chamber.

DISCUSSION

This last factor has never been the subject of extensive hydrodynamic study. Caregiver safety and patient comfort are paramount but physics show that the shape of the needle tip affects the hydrodynamics of the injected flow.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a bevel at the needle tip is a key factor for ensuring efficient flushing of the port. The absence of a bevel may increase hydraulic resistance and deposits in the port chamber. Implantable port flushing protocols must take this notion into account if the patency of port chambers is to be maintained. The clinical impact of this study has yet to be determined.

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy by the fixed-catheter-tip method: retrospective comparison of percutaneous left subclavian and femoral port-catheter system implantation

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively compare the subclavian and femoral approaches to a fixed-catheter-tip method of implantation of a port-catheter system for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with respect to complications and dysfunctions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between April 2006 and April 2012, 153 patients (104 men, 49 women; age range, 23-82 years; mean, 65 years) with unresectable malignant liver tumors underwent percutaneous implantation of indwelling port-catheter systems by the fixed-catheter-tip method via the left subclavian or femoral artery. The success of implantation and outcome of complications were investigated and compared between these approach routes.

RESULTS

The overall technical success rate of port-catheter system implantation with the fixed-catheter-tip method was 99% (152 of 153 patients). Seventy-five patients underwent implantation with a port-catheter system via the left subclavian artery, and 77 patients via the femoral artery. Catheter dislocation occurred in 3.9% of the patients; hepatic artery obstruction, 2.6%; catheter occlusion, 3.9%; bleeding at the puncture site, 3.9%; cerebral infarction, 1.3%; and infection related to port-catheter implantation, 2.6%. No significant differences in complications and port-catheter system dysfunction between the left subclavian and femoral approaches to port-catheter system implantation with the fixed-catheter-tip method were seen in any of the parameters. In addition, cerebral infarction occurred exclusively with the left subclavian approach, whereas infection occurred exclusively with the femoral approach.

CONCLUSION

Implantation of the port-catheter system with the fixed-catheter-tip method is equally feasible via both the left subclavian and the femoral approaches.

Power port contrast medium flushing and trapping: impact of temperature, an in vitro experimental study

Purpose

The use of totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) certified as “high pressure resistant” or “power port” has begun to spread worldwide as a safe procedure for power contrast injection. Owing to the thermo-rheological properties of the contrast media, the primary aim of this work is to present an in vitro experimental impact study concerning the impact of the temperature level on flushing efficiency after contrast medium injection. Moreover, we report experimental data that confirms the role of needle bevel orientation. The secondary aim is to answer the following questions: Is there significant device contrast medium trapping after contrast medium injection? Is saline flushing efficient? And, finally, is it safe to inject contrast medium through an indwelled port catheter?

Results

The experimental results show that in addition to hydrodynamics, temperature is a key parameter for the efficiency of device flushing after contrast medium injection. It appears that this is the case when the cavity is incompletely rinsed after three calibrated flushing volumes of 10 mL saline solution, even by using the Huber needle bevel opposite to the port exit. This leads to a potentially important trapped volume of contrast medium in the port, and consequently to the possibility of subsequent salt precipitates and long term trisubstituted benzene nuclei delivery that might impair the solute properties, which may be further injected via the power port later on.

Conclusion

We thus suggest, in TIVADS patients, the use of a temporary supplementary intravenous line rather than the port to perform contrast medium injections in daily radiology routine practice.

Flushing ports of totally implantable venous access devices, and impact of the Huber point needle bevel orientation: experimental tests and numerical computation

The use of totally implantable venous access devices developed as a medical device allowing mid- and long-term, frequent, repeated, or continuous injection of therapeutic products, by vascular, cavitary, or perineural access. The effective flushing of these devices is a central element to assure long-lasting use. Our experimental work demonstrates that directing the Huber point needle opening in the diametrically opposite direction of the implantable port exit channel increases the flushing efficiency. These results are consolidated by numerical computations, which support recommendations not only for their maintenance, but also for their use.

Prevention of intraprocedural puncture site bleeding during arterial port implantation by use of a suture-mediated arterial closure system: a prospective randomized trial

PURPOSE

To investigate a modified technique for arterial port placement that uses a suture-mediated closure system with the aim to reduce delays caused by intraprocedural oozing around the catheter.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty consecutive patients (age, 63.9 y ± 11.8) stratified for regional arterial infusion chemotherapy were prospectively randomized to undergo conventional or modified port implantation. Time for device placement, total procedure time, number of catheters, size of largest and final catheters placed, duration of bleeding from puncture site, procedural delays, and time until hemostasis was achieved were recorded.

RESULTS

Time for device placement was 3.7 minutes ± 1.1, with no complications encountered. Total procedure times were 133.0 minutes ± 62.8 for conventional port implantation and 100.0 minutes ± 49.5 for modified implantation (P = .13). No differences were found in the number of catheters or size of largest or final catheter used. Duration of groin bleeding necessitating manual compression was 21.8 minutes ± 24.4 for conventional port implantation, resulting in a mean procedural delay of 6.2 minutes ± 7.0. Hemostasis was achieved after a mean of 17.1 minutes ± 20.9. Groin hematoma was observed in three patients. In contrast, with the modified technique, mean duration of oozing and intraprocedural delays were only 0.2 minutes ± 0.6 and 0.1 minutes ± 0.5, respectively (both P < .0001 vs conventional technique). Hemostasis was achieved within 3.2 minutes ± 4.1 (P < .0001), with no cases of hematoma found.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a suture-mediated closure system facilitated arterial port implantation by effective prevention of groin bleeding while allowing the use of a sheath.

A simplified technique of percutaneous hepatic artery port-catheter insertion for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein invasion

Objective

We assessed the outcomes of a simplified technique for the percutaneous placement of a hepatic artery port-catheter system for chemotherapy infusion in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein invasion.

Materials and Methods

From February 2003 to February 2008, percutaneous hepatic artery port-catheter insertion was performed in 122 patients who had hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein invasion. The arterial access route was the common femoral artery. The tip of the catheter was wedged into the right gastroepiploic artery without an additional fixation device. A side hole was positioned at the distal common hepatic artery to allow the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents into the hepatic arteries. Coil embolization was performed only to redistribute to the hepatic arteries or to prevent the inadvertent delivery of chemotherapeutic agents into extrahepatic arteries. The port chamber was created at either the supra-inguinal or infra-inguinal region.

Results

Technical success was achieved in all patients. Proper positioning of the side hole was checked before each scheduled chemotherapy session by port angiography. Catheter-related complications occurred in 19 patients (16%). Revision was achieved in 15 of 18 patients (83%).

Conclusion

This simplified method demonstrates excellent technical feasibility, an acceptable range of complications, and is hence recommended for the management of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein thrombosis.