Implantable devices for venous access: nurses' and patients' evaluation of three different port systems*

Abstract

Implantable injection port systems are safe and convenient for long-term venous access. The present investigation comprises nurses' and patients' evaluation of three different types of devices; Port-A-Cath (16.0 g), Cordis Miniport (3.8 g) for implantation in the chest wall and the PAS Port system (5.6 g) for implantation in the forearm. The devices were implanted for chemotherapy. Eighty patients and 17 nurses answered a questionnaire regarding their experience with the devices. Overall, the systems functioned well and were helpful for both patients and nurses. In the patient study few significant differences emerged. Nurses noted that the PAS Port system was more difficult to withdraw blood from (P < 0.001) and its infusion flow capacity was inferior to the two ports in the chest wall (P < 0.001). Port-A-Cath was judged to be the easiest system for needle insertion and the needle position was felt to be more secure (P < 0.001). Fourteen of the 17 nurses preferred Cordis Miniport for cosmetic reasons (P < 0.001). All devices functioned well. The differences in shape, size and site of implantation allow an optimum port selection for each patient. The replies in this study expressed the need for educational programmes in order to spread the injection port concept further.