Catheter with Implantable Chamber Results of 432 Cases

Abstract

The implantable catheter port is a permanent central venous access device typically used for long-lasting injectable treatments such as chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: We report a retrospective study spread over 6 years to identify 432 patients who benefited from the placement of an implantable catheter port. Patients were followed during hospitalization and at discharge, one month, and one year later. Results: The average age is 67.9 years. There are 284 women and 148 men. The primary cancer requiring the installation of a chamber is essentially represented by cancer and bronchopulmonary cancers. The right internal jugular approach was the most frequently performed. Complications are mainly represented by infection and pneumothorax. Discussion and Conclusion: For prolonged treatments or treatments with aggressive drugs for the veins, a central venous access is preferable to the short peripheral catheter because the repetition of the punctures and the venous irritation of certain injectable drugs expose to pain, thrombosis or even necrosis, peripheral veins. The implantable catheter chamber allows direct access to a vessel to position the end of the catheter at the entrance to the heart, therefore rapid blood dilution. This makes it possible to inject drugs over the long term and/or whose venous tolerance is poor. It is a quick and easy technique with low morbidity.