Evaluation of the position of the central venous catheter tip of implantable venous access devices in the occurrence of postoperative thrombotic and non-thrombotic complications.

Abstract

The position of the catheter tip of totally implantable venous access devices (TIVAD) is a risk factor for postoperative complications. The study aim was to assess the early and late complications (EC and LC) associated with the position of the catheter tip in cancer patients. We reviewed cancer patients who had a TIVAD placed in 2020. EC (≤ 90days), LC (> 90days) and risk factors for TIVAD-associated complications were assessed. The vertical mismatch of the catheter tip was compared to an "ideal position" (> 10mm below the carina and ≥ 20mm below the right main bronchus (RMB)) using chest x-ray, post-implantation. 301 patients were included. Median follow-up after TIVAD implantation was 9.4months. All TIVAD catheters were inserted via the internal jugular vein (IJV). The mean distance between the catheter tip and the carina and the RMB was 21.3mm and 6.63mm respectively. In total, 11.3% patients developed EC and 5.6% had LC. An association was found between the position of the catheter tip from the carina (≤ 10mm vs. > 10mm) and the occurrence of EC (18.3% vs. 8.6%, p = 0.01) and for the catheter insertion side (left IJV vs. right IJV) (19.1% vs. 9.0% p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis showed that left IJV catheter insertion (OR 2.76), and a catheter tip located ≤ 10mm below the carina (OR 2.71) are significant independent risk factors of EC. TIVAD catheter tip located at ≤ 10mm below the carina, and a left-side inserted catheter, are higher risk of EC.