RESUMEN

PURPOSE: Totally implanted venous access device are widely used for long-term chemotherapy in cancer patients. Previous studies have only focused on the analysis of complications associated with infusion port implantation, ignoring the causes of unsuccessful infusion port implantation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and the success rate of transaxillary intravenous port implantation in breast cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To review 361 breast cancer patients who underwent intravenous port implantation from January 2021 to September 2021. Baseline data, and surgical data were collected from the patients, and the success rate of puncture of the axillary vein was recorded. The logistic regression analysis and smoothed curve fitting were used to assess the relationship between BMI and the success rate of axillary venipuncture. In addition, subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential interactions. RESULTS: Under ultrasound guidance, 67.3% of patients (243/361) had an infusion port implanted by axillary vein puncture. There was a roughly linear relationship between BMI and the success rate of axillary venipuncture. In the multiple regression equation, BMI was significantly and negatively associated with the success rate of axillary venipuncture (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.77-0.89; p < 0.001). Stratified analysis showed that the relationship between BMI and the success rate of axillary venipuncture was stable and unaffected by other variables. CONCLUSIONS: The higher the patient's BMI, the higher the chance of difficult axillary venipuncture or failed cannulation.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Totally implantable central venous access port devices are crucial for intravenous application of chemotherapeutics and long-term therapy for chronic disease. Common complications include thrombosis and device fracture related to altered material properties through exposure in situ. This study exhibits whether uniaxial tensile properties (DIN 10555-3) of in vivo used catheters prove inferior to unused catheters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 5 unused, originally packed silicone catheters were cut into 6 segments of 50 mm: 3 segments each were cleaned via cleaning solution (n = 15) while 3 segments were left unattended (n = 15). Distal segments (50 mm) of long-term in vivo used silicone catheters were cleaned before testing (n = 33). Overall mechanical behavior was tested in a custom-made self-centering, torsion free carrier. Maximum force stress at failure, strain at failure and Young's modulus were determined and statistically analyzed. FINDINGS: Unused catheters showed no significant difference in testing. in vivo used catheters exhibited 20% lower maximal force than unused catheters (p < 0.001), strain at break (p ã€ˆ0,001), and 7% higher elastic modulus (p = 0.004; power: 0.845). Due to a constant cross section area, stress at failure was proportional to maximum force (p < 0.001). Relation between determined parameters and dwell times was non-significant. INTERPRETATION: In vivo long-term used silicone catheters showed significantly lower ultimate strength than unused ones. It is likely that in situ altering changes the mechanical properties of catheters and may potentially lead to failure.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Central venous port systems may be safely used for chemotherapy of patients with cancer, but several complications may occur associated with their use. CASE PRESENTATION: An 83-year-old man with heat stroke was transferred to our emergency department, where he was treated and became able to eat on the same day. He had been fit and healthy, except for colorectomy and chemotherapy using a central venous access port placed in the right upper jugular vein 8 years ago. The next day, he suddenly had ventricular fibrillation. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was successful. Emergency coronary angiography showed a catheter-like foreign body in the coronary sinus. Physicians failed to remove the foreign body using catheter therapy, and ventricular fibrillation occurred repeatedly. After induction of general anesthesia, the fractured catheter was removed surgically. Postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: A fragmented segment of a catheter may suddenly cause ventricular fibrillation years later.

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: To evaluate the risk factors for unsuccessful removal of a central venous access port (CV port) implanted in the forearm of adult oncologic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 97 adult oncologic patients (51 males, 46 females; age range, 30-88 years; mean age, 63.7 years) in whom removal of a CV port implanted in the forearm was attempted at our hospital between January 2015 and May 2021. Gender, age at removal, body mass index, and diagnosis were examined as patient characteristics; and indwelling period, indwelling side, and indication for removal were examined as factors associated with removal of a CV port. These variables were compared between successful and unsuccessful cases using univariate analysis. Then, multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for unsuccessful removal of a CV port using variables with a significant difference in the univariate analysis. A receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve was drawn for significant risk factors in the multivariate analysis and the Youden index was used to determine the optimum cut-off value for predicting unsuccessful removal of a CV port. RESULTS: Removal of CV ports was successful in 79 cases (81.4%), but unsuccessful in 18 cases (18.6%) due to fixation of the catheter to the vessel wall. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the indwelling period (odds ratio 1.048; 95% confidence interval 1.026-1.070; P < 0.0001) was a significant independent risk factor for unsuccessful removal of a CV port. ROC analysis showed that the cut-off value for successful removal was 41 months, and 54% of cases with an indwelling period > 60 months had unsuccessful removal. CONCLUSION: The indwelling period is an independent risk factor for unsuccessful removal of a CV port implanted in the forearm of adult oncologic patients, with a cut-off of 41 months.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: We summarized the findings, diagnosis, and outcomes of cases for which contrast examination of central venous access ports (CV-ports) were attempted to detect complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-seven contrast examinations were attempted for 45 patients with 46 CV-ports (median, 162 days after implantation). Contrast examination was performed due to three suspicion catheter fractures or 54 CV-port dysfunctions (combinations of an absence of blood reflux on aspiration and 9 sufficient, 21 insufficient, or 24 impossible drip infusions). RESULTS: Contrast examination was successfully performed in 52 cases and revealed 45 normal findings, 5 pericatheter fibrin sheath formations, and 2 partial catheter fractures. In 23 of 45 cases with normal findings, the resistance to injection was initially mild or moderate but resolved after the CV-port was flushed slowly with heparinized saline solution. Subsequent contrast examination demonstrated normal findings. All fibrin sheath formations disappeared after thrombolytic therapy. Five cases could not undergo contrast examination due to high resistance. After contrast examination, nine of 46 CV-ports were removed or exchanged, while the use of the remaining 37 continued. CONCLUSION: Contrast examination of CV-port allowed the assessment of suspected complications and early treatment.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: We sought to identify the risk factors of totally implantable central venous access port (TICVAP)-related infections in patients with malignant disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Overall, 324 consecutive patients who received a TICVAP at our institution were retrospectively analysed. We further analysed cases of TICVAP-related complications. The risk factors for TICVAP-related infection were investigated using Cox regression hazard models. RESULTS: With a median TICVAP duration of 268 days (range=1-1,859 days), TICVAP-related complications were observed in 36 cases and infectious complications in late phase were the most common, seen in 19 cases (9.26%). A multivariate analysis showed that patients with head and neck malignancy (p<0.001) and patients who received TICVAP insertion in the upper arm (p<0.001) were independently at a higher risk for TICVAP-related infections. CONCLUSION: Patients with head and neck malignancy or TICVAP insertion in the upper arm have potentially increased risk for late-phase TICVAP-related infections.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: Only a few cases of K. kristinae infection have been reported in the literature. Patients with short bowel syndrome have an increased risk of opportunistic infections due to decreased bowel immunity and the long-term central venous catheter placement. We report a rare case of K. kristinae infection associated with SBS requiring long-term central venous access port placement. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 70-year-old woman presented with fever of approximately 39 °C to our hospital for examination. She has undergone total hysterectomy and radiation therapy for cervical cancer 36 years ago. Five years ago, she developed multiple small bowel perforations, and a jejunostomy was constructed at the oral end of the perforation and approximately 110 cm from the ligament of Treitz because of the difficulty in dissecting the adhesion. She developed short bowel syndrome, and the central venous port was constructed four years ago due to poor enteral nutrition. K. kristinae was detected in the central venous catheter tip and in two blood cultures. We administered intravenous vancomycin. After seven days of antibiotic treatment, both fever and inflammatory reaction improved, and the blood culture was negative. After 16 days of antibiotic treatment, we performed central venous port construction on the side opposite to the previous site. CONCLUSION: Patients with short bowel syndrome have an increased risk of K. kristinae infections due to decreased bowel immunity and the long-term central venous port, and therefore, these patients should be followed up carefully.

RESUMEN

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.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: Platelet counts <50/nl are often considered a contraindication for surgical and interventional radiology procedures. Yet, there are patients requiring totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAP) in whom normalization of the coagulation state is not feasible. This retrospective study evaluates the safety of interventional radiological TIVAP implantation in patients with severe thrombocytopenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 12/2010 to 12/2014, a total 1200 consecutive radiological TIVAP implantations were performed and retrospectively analyzed. Among those 181 patients had platelet counts (PC) below the reference value of 150-350 thrombocytes/nl: 55 patients with mild (PC: 100-150/nl), 58 patients with moderate (PC: 50-100/nl) and 68 patients with severe thrombocytopenia (PC <50/nl). All patients diagnosed with severe thrombocytopenia received platelet concentrates before or during the procedure according to a fixed preparation protocol. All patients were assessed at least 2 weeks before and up to 12 months after intervention. Outcome parameters were recorded with a particular focus on bleeding complications. Data were statistically analyzed with a p value <0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The technical success rate for TIVAP implantation was 100%. Patients were followed for a mean of 833 indwelling catheter days in patients with thrombocytopenia (total: 150.923 days) and for 936 indwelling catheter days in patients with normal platelet counts (total: 953.760 days). No significant differences in complication rates between patients with normal platelet counts and patients with mild to severe thrombocytopenia under platelet substitution were found (p > 0.05), especially no bleeding complications occurred during acute, early or late phase. CONCLUSION: With individualized platelet substitution, patients with severe thrombocytopenia may receive radiological TIVAP implantation without an increased risk of bleeding complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was revised as follows: to clarify the postoperative complications of multifunctional central venous ports and the risk factors for such complications to promote the safe use of the PowerPort system in the hospital. METHODS: The study group comprised 132 patients in whom implantable central venous access ports (PowerPortⓇ) were placed in our hospital from March 2014 through December 2015. The approach used for port placement was the subclavian vein in 43 patients (33%), the internal jugular vein in 87 patients (66%), and the femoral vein in 2 patients (1%). RESULTS: Postoperative complications occurred in 8 patients (6%). The catheter was removed because of infection in 4 patients and catheter kinking in 1 patient. Port extravasation occurred in 3 patients. No patient had catheter pinch-off. The mean operation time was 74 min (range, 32 to 171). No patients had intraoperative bleeding or pneumothorax. Benign disease was a risk factor for postoperative complications (p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: PowerPort is a multifunctional port. Benign disease was a risk factor for postoperative complications. Because many types of subcutaneously implanted ports are used in our hospital, we had to inform the hospital staff about the functions of PowerPort.

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: The central venous access port (CVAP) has played an important role in the safe administration of chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition. The aim of the present study was to clarify the optimal access vein for CVAP implantation when performed by residents rather than attending surgeons. METHODS: A consecutive cases of CVAP implantation via the subclavian vein (SV) using a landmark-guided technique or via the internal jugular vein (JV) using an ultrasound-guided technique were divided into 2 groups according to whether the intervention was performed by a resident or an attending surgeon. Early and late complications were compared retrospectively between the 2 groups, and the outcomes of the CVAPs were compared between those implanted via the SV and those implanted via the JV in resident group. RESULTS: A total of 207 cases of CVAP implantation were performed. Overall, 114 implantations were performed by residents, and another 93 implantations were performed by attending surgeons. Early complications were seen more frequently in the resident group (6.1%) than in the attending-surgeon group (1.1%), but the difference was not significant. No differences in operating time or late complications were observed between the 2 groups. In the resident group, CVAP implantations via the JV using the ultrasound-guided technique were associated with a shorter operating time compared with the SV approach. CONCLUSIONS: Residents can perform CVAP implantations safely using both the SV and JV approaches. However, the JV approach using an ultrasound-guided technique can be performed in less time than the SV approach.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Central venous port devices made of two different polymeric materials, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and silicone rubber (SiR), were compared due their material properties. Both naïve catheters as well as catheters after removal from patients were investigated. In lab experiments the influence of various chemo-therapeutic solutions on material properties was investigated, whereas the samples after removal were compared according to the implanted time in patient. The macroscopic, mechanical performance was assessed with dynamic, specially adapted tests for elasticity. The degradation status of the materials was determined with common tools of polymer characterisation, such as infrared spectroscopy, molecular weight measurements and various methods of thermal analysis. The surface morphology was analysed using scanning electron microscopy. A correlation between material properties and clinical performance was proposed. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the polyurethane catheter materials can potentially result in increased susceptibility of the catheter to bloodstream infections and thrombotic complications. The higher mechanic failure, especially with increasing implantation time of the silicone catheters is related to the lower mechanical performance compared to the polyurethane material as well as loss of barium sulphate filler particles near the surface of the catheter. This results in preformed microscopic notches, which act as predetermined sites of fracture.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: We aimed to analyse short and long-term complications of polyurethane (PU) versus silicone catheters used in totally implantable venous-access ports (TIVAPs) implanted at the forearm. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 698 consecutively implanted TIVAPs was performed. Primary end-points were defined as rates of major complications associated with either type of central venous port catheter. Technical success rate, device service interval as well as minor complications not requiring port explantation were defined as secondary end-points. RESULTS: A total of 698 port devices were implanted in 681 patients, 396 equipped with a PU catheter, 302 with a silicone catheter. The technical success rate was 99.9% with no major periprocedural complications. During follow-up a total of 211 complications in 146 patients were observed (1.0/1000 catheter days), 183 occurred associated with PU catheters (1.8/100 catheter days), 28 (0.3/1000 catheter days) with silicone catheters (log rank test p < 0.0001). Catheter-related bloodstream infections as well as thrombotic complications occurred significantly more frequently with PU catheters, while silicone catheters exhibited a trend towards a higher rate of mechanical failure such as disconnection or catheter rupture. Major complications requiring explantation of the device occurred more frequently with PU-based catheters (10.6%) compared to silicone catheter carrying ports (4.6%, log rank test p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PU catheters are more susceptible to catheter-related infections and exhibit a higher thrombogenicity, compared to silicone catheters. Silicone catheters instead exhibit a trend towards decreased mechanical stability.

Asunto(s)

Asunto(s)