Central venous port implantation with cephalic vein cut-down method

Abstract

Background: This study aims to evaluate the surgical results of central venous port implantation using cephalic ‘cut-down’ method. Methods: B etween M ay 2 009 a nd M ay 2 010, 2 0 o f 2 3 patients (13 females, 7 males, mean age 45.5 years; range 31 to 75 years) with peripheral vein disease due to several reasons underwent venous port implantation using cephalic ‘cut-down’ method in Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Thoracic Surgery. Surgical technique, operation time, underlying pathologies, perioperative complications and results of the procedure were analyzed. Results: The mean operation time was 38 minutes (range, 25-50 min) in 20 patients undergoing venous port implantation through cephalic ‘cut-down’ method. Breast cancer was the leading underlying pathology. Venous port implantation using cephalic ‘cut-down’ method failed in three patients due to several reasons. Venous ports were implanted percutaneously in these patients. There was no intraoperative complication in any patients. Conclusion: Venous port implantation with cephalic ‘cutdown’ method is easily practicable and very reliable procedure without any major disadvantage. Very low incidence of life-threatening complications including pneumothorax, hemothorax and great vessel injury is the most important advantage of this procedure.