Port Chamber Research Articles

Removal of the central venous port system in children. Is this an appropriate training procedure for resident physicians? A single-center retrospective study.

<b>Introduction:</b> A venous port system consists of a port chamber attached to a central catheter, which is implanted into the central venous system. The removal of the vascular port includes all items of this system. This procedure is usually simple and quick. Complications with port removal are rare but possible.<b>Aim:</b> The study aimed to summarize venous port removal procedures performed by pediatric surgeons.<b>Material and methods:</b> The single-center, retrospective study was conducted on 360 pediatric patients treated during the years 2010-2022 in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Traumatology, and Urology in Poznan.<b>Results:</b> The port usage time before the removal ranged from 3 days to 8 years and 3 months, with an average of 22 months. The leading cause of vascular port removal was the end of treatment (78.06%). Other less frequent reasons were the infection (13.89%) and mechanical damage of the port (3.33%). There were almost no complications connected with the procedure of vascular port removal (92.2%). If the complications occurred, they included bleeding during surgery (3%), covering the vascular catheter with bone tissue of the clavicle, causing difficulties with the catheter removal from the vein (1.4%), and connected with the previous complications-prolonged clavicle pain after surgery (1.4%) and hematoma after surgery (2%).<b>Conclusions:</b> Removing the venous port is a safe procedure with a low risk of complications. This procedure can be considered as an appropriate training procedure for young trainees. A more extended period of use of the vascular port before its removal may be associated with more difficulties during surgery.

An Uncommon Case Report of a Punctured SVC through a Chemo Port

Chemo port implantation has enhanced the quality of life for cancer patients. Interventional radiologists or surgeons may implant chemo ports via the Internal Jugular Vein (IJV) or Subclavian Vein (SCV). A central catheter that is implanted into the central venous system is connected to a port chamber (subcutaneous) to form a venous port system. The catheter chamber's subcutaneous position enhances the patient quality of life and has a lower infection rate than non-totally implanted central venous devices. To avoid both immediate and long-term difficulties, a port system must be implanted, used, and cared for properly. Pneumothorax, hemothorax, thoracic duct damage, cardiac tamponade, venous malpositioning of the catheter, and perforation with arterial injury are the most frequent early complications (30 days). Infection, catheter thrombosis, vascular thrombosis and stenosis, catheter fracture with extravasation, or fracture with migration or catheter material embolization, are examples of delayed problems. To detect potential issues and plan therapeutic interventions, such as in the event of catheter migration, radiologic imaging has become more important in both intra-procedural assessment and postoperative follow-up.

Catheter Lock Anchor Technique for Placement of Retrogradely Tunneled Implantable Ports

Abstract Purpose Groshong valved catheters require retrograde tunneling and a port chamber needs to be attached to the catheter after trimming. During this process, working space constraints are generally faced by operators. We describe a novel technique to improve the comfort of the operator while working in a constrained space. Materials and Methods The port catheter with the distal valve is retrogradely tunneled and trimmed. Thread from absorbable surgical suture is used to anchor the catheter lock. Anchored catheter lock is comfortably pushed over the catheter into the subcutaneous tunnel without it being migrated proximally. Once the port chamber is attached to the catheter, the catheter lock is retrieved back and moved to the locking position. We retrospectively analyzed implantable ports for smoothness of curves and outcomes in terms of catheter days. Results Technical success was achieved in all patients. There were no periprocedural complications. Clinical success was achieved in 27/29 cases. Early port removal was done due to infection in one patient and for nonhealing of the wound in one patient. Conclusion The catheter lock anchor is a safe and useful technique for the placement of valved ports. A satisfactory catheter-nut angle can be achieved with this technique.

Impact of different iterative metal artifact reduction (iMAR) algorithms on PET/CT attenuation correction after port implementation

PurposeTo evaluate the effect of various interactive metal artifact reduction (iMAR) algorithms on attenuation correction in the vicinity of port chambers in PET/CT. Material and methodsIn this prospective study, 30 oncological patients (12 female, 18 male, mean age 59.6 ± 10.5y) with implanted port chambers undergoing 18F-FDG PET/CT were included. CT images were reconstructed with standard weighted filtered back projection (WFBP) and three different iMAR algorithms (hip, dental filling (DF) and pacemaker (PM)). PET attenuation correction was performed with all four CT datasets. SUVmean, SUVmax and HU measurements were performed in fat and muscle tissue in the vicinity of the port chamber at the location of the strongest bright and dark band artifacts. Differences between HU and SUV values across all CT- and PET-images were investigated using a paired t-test. Bonferroni correction was used to prevent alpha-error accumulation (p < 0.008). ResultsIn comparison to WFBP (fat: 94.2 ± 53.9 HU, muscle: 197.6 ± 49.2 HU) all three iMAR algorithms led to a decrease of HU in bright band artifacts. iMAR-DF led to a decrease of 159.2 % (fat: -51.9 ± 58.5 HU, muscle: 94.5 ± 55.3 HU), iMAR-hip of 138.3 % (fat: -30.3 ± 58.5, muscle: 70.4 ± 28.8) and iMAR-PM of 122.3 % (fat: -21.2 ± 47.2 HU, muscle: 72.5 ± 25.1 HU; for all p < 0.008). There was no significant effect of iMAR on SUV measurements in comparison to WFBP. ConclusioniMAR leads to a significant change of HU values in artifacts caused by port catheter chambers in comparison to WFBP. However, no significant differences in attenuation correction and consecutive changes in SUV measurements can be observed.

Influence of venipuncture point and port chamber site on the risk of catheter fracture in right internal jugular port placements

For subcutaneously implanted central venous ports, some complications due to prolonged placement have been reported. We investigated the appropriate puncture points and port placement sites to prevent catheter fracture in right internal jugular port placement. This retrospective study included 709 patients who underwent right internal jugular vein puncture and port implantation in the right precordium between 1 May 2012 and 31 March 2018. The cases were divided into undamaged catheter group and damaged catheter group comprising normal and fracture cases, respectively. The catheter angle, distance from the clavicle, tip position, and curvature radius were measured from fluoroscopic images obtained at the time of implantation. The t-test was used in statistical analysis. Median angles were 91.6° in the undamaged catheter group and 58.0° in the damaged catheter group. Median distances were 26.0 mm in the undamaged catheter group and 36.6 mm in the damaged catheter group. Median tip positions were 51.6 mm in the undamaged catheter group and 37.5 mm in the damaged catheter group. Median curvature radii were 9.2 R in the undamaged catheter group and 7.1 R in the damaged catheter group. Significant differences were found in the angle, height, and curvature radius between the two groups. Our results indicate that a venipuncture as close to the clavicle as possible (less than 3 cm) and a gentle catheter curve (close to 90° angle) are associated with a lower risk of catheter fracture.

Role of Chemoports in Children with Hematological/Solid Tumor Malignancies - Technical Implications and Complications: An Institutional Experience.

Aim:The aim of this retrospective analysis was to identify the variously related complications and to study preventive and therapeutic measures for these complications.Materials and Methods:A total of 72 catheters were inserted in 69 patients (mean follow-up of 1140 days) from December 2002 to May 2017. Sixty-four children were diagnosed to have hematological malignancies, and five children had solid tumors. The youngest child was 2 months of age, and the oldest was 15 years, 5 months. Records were analyzed retrospectively for the age, indication, route of insertion, and postoperative complications. A protocol-based insertion and postinsertion handling by trained nursing staff/doctors were instituted, including a periodic training program for those concerned.Results:Chemoport-related complications were infection in 3 (4.16%), necessitating port removal in one patient. The rest were managed by antibiotic-lock therapy. The other problems were catheter tip occlusion in 1 (1.38%) and extravasation in two patients (2.77%) leading to a sterile collection around the port chamber. An unsightly scar in 4 (5.55%) and granuloma formation at scar site in 1 (1.38%) patient were noted.Conclusion:Totally implantable chemoports are preferred in children with solid and hematological malignancies because of decreased pain, the rate of infection, and ability to maintain patency for the long term. Despite significant advantages over other types of central venous access, chemoports have their own complications. It was also noted that the rate of complications could be minimized by periodic training of all the personnel concerned and following protocol-based handling of ports.

Central venous access port placement by translumbar approach using angio-CT unit in patients with superior vena cava syndrome.

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. 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. 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 125days (range 6-448days). Complications in the chronic phase occurred in two patients, one with catheter-related infection and the other with catheter breakage, for a rate of 0.44/1000catheter days. In the patient with the broken catheter, the port chamber placement site was cut and replaced with a new catheter by guidewire exchange. 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.

Validation of Contamination Control in Rapid Transfer Port Chambers for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Processes.

There is worldwide concern with regard to the adverse effects of drug usage. However, contaminants can gain entry into a drug manufacturing process stream from several sources such as personnel, poor facility design, incoming ventilation air, machinery and other equipment for production, etc. In this validation study, we aimed to determine the impact and evaluate the contamination control in the preparation areas of the rapid transfer port (RTP) chamber during the pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. The RTP chamber is normally tested for airflow velocity, particle counts, pressure decay of leakage, and sterility. The air flow balance of the RTP chamber is affected by the airflow quantity and the height above the platform. It is relatively easy to evaluate the RTP chamber′s leakage by the pressure decay, where the system is charged with the air, closed, and the decay of pressure is measured by the time period. We conducted the determination of a vaporized H2O2 of a sufficient concentration to complete decontamination. The performance of the RTP chamber will improve safety and can be completely tested at an ISO Class 5 environment.

Impact of the shape of the needle tip on the efficacy of flushing implantable port chambers.

To follow international guidelines and protect healthcare workers from needle stick injuries, manufacturers now provide safety non-coring needles. Numerical simulations show the potential efficacy of infusion and flushing flow in straight and curved side wall port chambers from a beveled non-coring needle (BNCN) or a bevel-free cannula (BFC). In straight and curved side wall port chambers, the stream of flow with a BNCN is determined by the direction of the bevel, whereas the outlet stream from a BFC leads to a cylindrical symmetric flow. This, along with the position of the BFC impacts the wall shear rate of the port chamber, and the hydraulic resistance within the chamber. This last factor has never been the subject of extensive hydrodynamic study. Caregiver safety and patient comfort are paramount but physics show that the shape of the needle tip affects the hydrodynamics of the injected flow. The presence of a bevel at the needle tip is a key factor for ensuring efficient flushing of the port. The absence of a bevel may increase hydraulic resistance and deposits in the port chamber. Implantable port flushing protocols must take this notion into account if the patency of port chambers is to be maintained. The clinical impact of this study has yet to be determined.

Implantable venous ports in pediatric oncology: experience of single institution in Russia.

To review our experience with implantable venous port-systems (IVPs) in pediatric cancer patients. From 2010 to 2015 we were monitoring the treatment of 163 children (aged 3 months to 17 years) with oncologic diseases. These patients underwent venous port implantations. During insertion of 163 IVPs the following complications and technical difficulties were present: unintended puncture of the common carotid artery (CCA) during the puncture of the internal jugular vein (IJV) - 7 cases (4.3%); retrograde positioning of the distal end of the guidewire in the IJV - 17 cases (14.4%); placement of the distal end of the guidewire into the punctured subclavian vein (SV) - 12 cases (7.6%); difficulties driving the guidewire into the IJV after successful puncture - 15 cases (9.3%). The use of 163 IVPs was complicated by the following: venous port contamination - 4 cases (2.5%); occlusion of the IVPs by a clot - 8 cases (5%); withdrawal of the Huber needle bevel from the port chamber - 22 cases (13.6%); subcutaneous fat layer thinning above the port chamber - 3 cases (1.7%). There are many complications, but they can be reduced by proper choice of materials and methodology.

Effectiveness of breast fixation to reduce migration of the tip of a totally implantable venous access port in women.

To evaluate effectiveness of breast fixation to reduce migration of the catheter tip of a totally implantable venous access port (TIVP) in women. TIVPs were placed in 129 women via the right axillary vein from July 2012 to December 2014, with a final study population of 118 patients (mean age, 55.3 ± 13.8 years; range, 21-91 years). The patients were divided into two groups according to breast fixation during TIVP placement. A total of 56 patients received TIVP placement without breast fixation (Group 1); the remaining 62 received TIVP placement in the supine position after fixation of the ipsilateral breast on the abdominal wall in the sitting position (Group 2). Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for age, weight, height, body mass index, and underlying malignancy. We evaluated the difference in distance ratios between the port chamber and the catheter tip on supine chest and erect chest radiographs, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test. Differences in all parameters between Group 1 and Group 2 were not statistically significant. Mean distance ratio between the port chamber and the catheter tip was 1.95 ± 0.97 in Group 1 and 1.33 ± 0.59 in Group 2. Differences in distance ratios between the port chamber and the catheter tip were statistically significant between Group 1 and Group 2 (p = 0.001). Breast fixation seems to be effective in reducing migration of the port chamber and catheter tip with position changes in female patients during TIVP placement.

Venous Access in the Treatment of Children with Cancer: Results of A 10-Year Multicenter Study

Introduction. Chemotherapy is the definitive treatment for children with cancer. Intravenous administration is the most common method of chemotherapy, since most chemo drugs are easily absorbed through the blood. Thus a long-term venous access is one of the most important and urgent aims of pediatric oncology. Materials and methods . A total of 246 patients aged 2 months to 17 years were included in the analyses. Implanted venous access port systems (IVAPS) implantation was performed in all the patients during the period of 2006-2015. Results . We observe the following complications and technical difficulties in 42 (17%) patients: accidental carotid artery puncture during attempted internal jugular vein (IJV) puncture — 16 (6.5%) cases, retrograde positioning of the distal end of the guidewire in the IJV — 21 (8,5%) cases; insertion of guide wire's distal tip into the punctured SV — 12 (4,9%) cases; difficulties during catheter advancement into the IJV after successful puncture — 26 (10,6%) cases. The following complications were detected venous port contamination — 17 cases (6,9%); occlusion of the IVAPS by a clot — 34 cases (13,8%); subcutaneous fat layer thinning above the port chamber — 2 cases (0,8%). Conclusion . Complications reported in our study (75 cases) were not fatal, mostly preventable, and have not led to protocol violations in the treatment of children with cancer. However, it should be highlighted that there is a need in further training of nurses and doctors in order to disseminate the proposed procedures in other clinics of the Russian Federation and reduce the number of operational complications.

Венозный доступ при лечении детей с онкологическими заболеваниями: результаты 10-летнего мультицентрового исследования

Introduction. Chemotherapy is the definitive treatment for children with cancer. Intravenous administration is the most common method of chemotherapy, since most chemo drugs are easily absorbed through the blood. Thus a long-term venous access is one of the most important and urgent aims of pediatric oncology. Materials and methods . A total of 246 patients aged 2 months to 17 years were included in the analyses. Implanted venous access port systems (IVAPS) implantation was performed in all the patients during the period of 2006-2015. Results . We observe the following complications and technical difficulties in 42 (17%) patients: accidental carotid artery puncture during attempted internal jugular vein (IJV) puncture — 16 (6.5%) cases, retrograde positioning of the distal end of the guidewire in the IJV — 21 (8,5%) cases; insertion of guide wire's distal tip into the punctured SV — 12 (4,9%) cases; difficulties during catheter advancement into the IJV after successful puncture — 26 (10,6%) cases. The following complications were detected venous port contamination — 17 cases (6,9%); occlusion of the IVAPS by a clot — 34 cases (13,8%); subcutaneous fat layer thinning above the port chamber — 2 cases (0,8%). Conclusion . Complications reported in our study (75 cases) were not fatal, mostly preventable, and have not led to protocol violations in the treatment of children with cancer. However, it should be highlighted that there is a need in further training of nurses and doctors in order to disseminate the proposed procedures in other clinics of the Russian Federation and reduce the number of operational complications.

Study of efficacy and safety of modified adjuvant intraperitoneal chemotherapy regimen in carcinoma ovary.

It has been demonstrated in few trials that intraperitoneal and intravenous (IP/IV) chemotherapy improves survival in advanced stage ovarian cancer (OC). However, in view of high treatment-related toxicities, various modifications in treatment schedules have been tried. In this study, response and tolerability of IP paclitaxel on day 8 with IV paclitaxel on day 1 and IV cisplatin day 2 in carcinoma ovary were evaluated. In this prospective observational study, from March 2013 to December 2015, the efficacy and tolerability of adjuvant IP/IV chemotherapy in optimally cytoreduced Stage III epithelial OC (EOC) patients were assessed. Totally, sixty patients were enrolled. The median age of patients was 53 years (32-67 years). Out of a total of 360 IP cycles, 316 cycles (88%) were completed. Forty-five patients (76%) received all the 6 cycles by IP route. Eight out of those 45 patients had one or more adjustment including delay or dose reduction. After median follow-up of 22 months, eight patients (14%) had local or systemic recurrence. Median progression-free survival not reached yet. Catheter block was seen in five cases. Two cases had needle displacement and extravasations of drug around the port chamber. Six patients had Grade 3 abdominal pain and cramp. Grade 3/4 leukopenia was experienced by thirty patients (50%), but febrile neutropenia occurred in only 6 (10%) patients. Renal complication present in 4 (7%) patients. In Indian patients, adjuvant chemotherapy with day 8 I/P paclitaxel in optimally cytoreduced EOC is associated with comparable survival outcomes, less side effects and high treatment completion rate relative to literature published from Western countries.

A retrospective analysis on the utility and complications of upper arm ports in 433 cases at a single institute.

BackgroundWe have employed upper arm central venous ports (UACVPs) since 2006 for long-term intravenous chemotherapy (CTx) or fluid supplementation. We evaluated the long-term availability of CVPs implanted in the upper arm to determine whether UACVPs could be one of the treatment options besides chest CVPs in terms of CVP-related complications.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent subcutaneous implantation of UACVPs at Kyoto University Hospital from 1 April, 2006 to 30 June, 2009. We assessed the indwelling duration of the UACVPs and the incidences of early and late UACVP-related complications.ResultsA total of 433 patients underwent subcutaneous implantation of UACVPs during this time period. The cumulative follow-up period was 251,538 catheter days, and the median duration of UACVP indwelling was 439.0 days (1–2, 24). There was no UACVP-related mortality throughout the study period. A total of 83 UACVP-related complications occurred (19.2 %), including 43 cases of infection (9.9 %, 0.17/1000 catheter days), ten cases of catheter-related thrombosis (2.3 %, 0.040/1000 catheter days), ten cases of occlusion (2.3 %, 0.040/1000 catheter days), nine cases of catheter dislocation (2.0 %, 0.036/1000 catheter days), five cases of port leakage (1.2 %, 0.019/1000 catheter days), four cases of skin dehiscence (0.9 %, 0.015/1000 catheter days) and two cases of port chamber twist (0.5 %, 0.008/1000 catheter days). The removal-free one-year port availability was estimated at 87.8 %.ConclusionsUACVPs were of long-term utility, with complication rates comparable to those of chest CVPs previously reported.

Long-term Outcome of Peripherally Implanted Venous Access Ports in the Forearm in Female Cancer Patients.

The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the long-term outcome of peripherally implanted venous access ports in the forearm at our institution in a female patient collective. Between June 2002 and May 2011, a total of 293 female patients with an underlying malignancy had 299 forearm ports implanted in our interventional radiology suite. The mean age of the cohort was 55 ± 12 years (range 26-81 years). The majority of women suffered from breast (59.5 %) or ovarian cancer (28.1 %). Complications were classified as infectious complications, thrombotic and nonthrombotic catheter dysfunction (dislocation of the catheter or port chamber, fracture with/without embolization or kinking of the catheter, port occlusion), and others. We analyzed a total of 90,276 catheter days in 248 port systems (47 patients were lost to follow-up). The mean device service interval was 364 days per catheter (range 8-2,132, median 223 days, CI 311-415, SD 404). Sixty-seven early (≤ 30 days from implantation) or late complications (>30 days) occurred during the observation period (0.74/1,000 catheter days). Common complications were port infection (0.18/1,000 days), thrombotic dysfunction (0.12/1,000 days), and skin dehiscence (0.12/1,000 days). Nonthrombotic dysfunction occurred in a total of 21 cases (0.23/1,000 days) and seemed to cumulate on the venous catheter entry site on the distal upper arm. Peripherally implanted venous access ports in the forearm are a safe alternative to chest or upper-arm ports in female oncology patients. Special attention should be paid to signs of skin dehiscence and nonthrombotic dysfunction, especially when used for long-term treatment.

Mechanical thrombolysis of thrombosed central venous port.

To evaluate the effectiveness of a mechanical thrombolysis for thrombosed central venous port (CVP). A total of 38 patients (22 women and 16 men, median age of 55 years) were referred to our interventional unit for thrombosed implanted CVPs. The period between CVP implantation and the initial suspicion of mechanical complication varied from 2 to 35 months (mean 11.5 months) and the interval since last use of the CVP averaged 47 days (range 28-324 days). Our mechanical thrombolysis technique was performed to fragment thrombus in the port chamber by whirling the floppy tip of 0.018-inch hair-wire. Only 19-gauge noncoring needle and 0.018-inch hire-wire were used without cut-down. After removing the hair-wire and placing a second needle, the fragmented thrombi was slowly aspirated with a negative pressure and the remnant thrombus was flushed out by pushing a saline fluid. The degree of fragmentation of thrombus was evaluated with posttreatment angiography; incomplete lysis was defined as more than 50 % of thrombus remaining, significant lysis was 10-50 % of initial thrombosis remaining, and near-complete lysis was less than 10 % thrombus remaining. We observed near-complete lysis in 22 patients (58 %), significant lysis in 14 patients (37 %), and incomplete lysis in two patients (5 %). The technical success rate was 82 % (31 of 38 patients). There were no major or minor complications in the recovery room during a 30-min observation period or late complications at outpatient follow-up. A mechanical thrombolysis technique can be used to dissolve thrombus effectively from thrombosed implanted CVP on an outpatient basis.

The Port Clearance Test: Why It Is Important to Clinicians

Abstract Understanding proper chamber flushing volume for each port manufacturer and port chamber shape is of value to both clinicians and patients. Failing to follow adequate flushing volumes may lead to sludge buildup and further complications. By sampling the chamber flushing volume of ports of various shapes from different manufacturers, we were able to assess cumulative volume flushing rates using a mixture approximating the viscosity of blood. The data collected highlight the relationship between chamber shape, flushing volume, and flow rate and why it is important that manufacturers recommend adequate flushing volumes specific to each port.

Surgical Placement of Totally Implantable Venous Access Device–An Institutional Experience

To investigate the advantages and disadvantages of Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVAD) catheter in pediatric age group and also to review this subject in the recent literature and compare the results with the present results. A total of 61 cases, 2 mo to 14 y old, were included in the index study. TIVADs were implanted in these patients for chemotherapy. The device was inserted under general anesthesia (GA) by open technique. All the children were followed up for a mean period of 7.2 mo. Out of 61 cases, 9 cases had complications; 3 requiring removal of the port due to infection and in one case the device had to be reinserted due to malpositioning, one had late wound dehiscence with exposed port chamber which needed operative correction and four had minor wound infections. There was no mortality. Complications like hemo or pneumothorax, arterial puncture, hematoma formation were very less with open technique of insertion of the port. Most patients and their parents were satisfied with TIVAD. Thus, TIVAD can be a useful device for many chronic patients who need an IV access for multiple injections especially in pediatric age group.

The use of venous ports in oncological patients

Venous ports provide a permanent, long-lasting and easy access to the central veins. These subcutaneously inserted systems have found application in the therapy of patients with oncological and chronic illnesses, and in treatment of children with hemophilia. During a planned continuous infusion of chemotherapy they increase patient comfort, reducing the risk of local inflammatory states and moderating the risk of spilling the cytostatic agent to the perivesical compartment. 83 patients with venous subcutaneous ports implanted between July 2006 and November 2011 were included into the study The methods of implantation and usage were presented. Length of time the port is in situ and occurrence of early and late complications was evaluated. The longest indwelling time for port was 1484 days, while the shortest was 70 days. In 89.9% of cases, the correct position of the port's tip was noted during a control X-ray performed after the implantation. Early complications were not observed, while late ones concerned 16.86% of patients and included: generalized bacteriemia (8.43%), local inflammation of the skin and of the subcutaneous tissue (1.2%), venous thrombosis (2.41%), migration of the catheter (1.2%), necrosis of the skin over the port's chamber (2.41%). Venous ports play an important role in the treatment of cancer patients. The placement of venous ports is a safe procedure that has a low rate of early complications. The frequency of late complications correlates with that described in the literature.