Totally Implantable Venous Access Devices Research Articles

Maintaining patency in totally implantable venous access devices (TIVAD): A time-to-event analysis of different lock irrigation intervals

PurposeTo evaluate the effectiveness of irrigating totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) every eight weeks instead of every four in maintaining the patency of the device. MethodsAn explorative, pragmatic, prospective study design was conducted in two day hospital centres located in the northeast of Italy, from January 2011 to September 2012. Twenty patients who had skipped an appointment and were thus washing their TIVAD every eight weeks (exposed) were included, as were 17 patients following the typical wash regimen of every four weeks (controls). TIVAD occlusion—defined as the inability of the device to aspirate blood and/or the inability to properly irrigate the device—was the principal study end-point. ResultsA total of six occlusions were documented in six patients. Four cases were observed among the exposed group (4/20; 20.0%), while two were observed among the control group (2/17; 11.7%). No statistically significant differences were observed in the occurrence of occlusion between the groups (RR: 1.29, 95%CI: 0.67–2.50, p = 0.49). No statistically significant differences emerged between groups in the time that elapsed from study inclusion to occlusion occurrence according to the time-to-event analysis performed using the Kaplan–Meier estimation model (Log Rank [Mantel–Cox] = χ2 0.284, df 1, p = 0.594). ConclusionsWithin the limitations of the study which should be addressed with further research based on double-blinded randomised clinical trials, postponing the irrigation regimen of TIVADs to eight weeks seems to be sufficient to maintain device patency.

Power port contrast medium flushing and trapping: impact of temperature, an in vitro experimental study

PurposeThe use of totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) certified as “high pressure resistant” or “power port” has begun to spread worldwide as a safe procedure for power contrast injection. Owing to the thermo-rheological properties of the contrast media, the primary aim of this work is to present an in vitro experimental impact study concerning the impact of the temperature level on flushing efficiency after contrast medium injection. Moreover, we report experimental data that confirms the role of needle bevel orientation. The secondary aim is to answer the following questions: Is there significant device contrast medium trapping after contrast medium injection? Is saline flushing efficient? And, finally, is it safe to inject contrast medium through an indwelled port catheter?ResultsThe experimental results show that in addition to hydrodynamics, temperature is a key parameter for the efficiency of device flushing after contrast medium injection. It appears that this is the case when the cavity is incompletely rinsed after three calibrated flushing volumes of 10 mL saline solution, even by using the Huber needle bevel opposite to the port exit. This leads to a potentially important trapped volume of contrast medium in the port, and consequently to the possibility of subsequent salt precipitates and long term trisubstituted benzene nuclei delivery that might impair the solute properties, which may be further injected via the power port later on.ConclusionWe thus suggest, in TIVADS patients, the use of a temporary supplementary intravenous line rather than the port to perform contrast medium injections in daily radiology routine practice.

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.

Pre-filled normal saline syringes to reduce totally implantable venous access device-associated bloodstream infection: a single institution pilot study

Flushing totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) with manually filled saline syringes may increase contamination and catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). We used a retrospective cohort study to assess the impact of changing from manually filled syringes to manufactured pre-filled syringes on the frequency of CRBSI in 718 TIVADs. Manually filled syringes were used in 269 patients and pre-filled syringes in 449. The CRBSI rate was 2.7% in the pre-filled syringe group and 6.3% in the manually filled syringe group (P=0.016). Sex, tumour type and stage, access site and access body side were not independent risk factors for CRBSI.

Totally Implantable Venous Access Device in Children with Cancer Lead to Disfiguring scar

Background In pediatric cancer patients scars of totally implantable venous access devices (TIVAD) are often widened and hypertrophic. This study report on the prevalence and deviation of abnormal scarring in children with a TIVAD and to describe the influencing factors for this abnormal scarring. Methods In a cross-sectional study scars of 122 childhood cancer patients (age 1–21 years) were evaluated; 72 patients had a TIVAD in-situ and in 50 the TIVAD had been removed. Outcome parameters were hypertrophy (modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS), scar surface area, pain, and itching. Scar abnormality was defined as mVSS of >2, or scar width >3mm. Results Abnormal TIVAD scars were found in 107 participants. The mVSS score was higher in patients ≤45 months after removal and the widest >45 months after TIVAD removal. Multivariable analyses showed that the mVSS score was positively related with scar width (mm) and children being ≤45 months after TIVAD removal. Furthermore, TIVAD scar width was positively related with age at last TIVAD surgery, and associated with suture material. In conclusion, there was a high incidence of abnormal TIVAD scars with some pain and itching complaints. However, no typical cancer related influencing factors were associated with increasing abnormalities.

Safety and Feasibility of the Venous Access via Internal Jugular Vein Puncture Approach for Totally Implantable Venous Access Device Placements Compared with Subclavian Vein Puncture

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of venous access via the internal jugular vein (IJV) for totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD) placements. In Japan, TIVADs are generally placed in position by the percutaneous subclavian vein puncture approach (SVPA). However, this approach causes infrequent intraoperative or postoperative complications. Using the internal jugular vein puncture approach (IJVPA), TIVADs could be placed more easily and safely. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six patients who received TIVADs for chemotherapy of colorectal carcinomas were enrolled in this study. The choice of approach (IJVPA or SVPA) was adopted at the discretion of each doctor in charge of the patient. The operation time, success rate and complications of the two approaches were compared and evaluated. Results: TIVAD placement was successful in all patients. Thirty patients received the device via IJV puncture, but 1 patient required conversion to SVPA. Twenty-six patients underwent SVPA for device placement, but 3 of these patients required conversion to IJVPA. Mean operation time was 34.3 min in IJVPA and 35.2 min in SVPA. The success rate was 96.6% in IJVPA and 88.5% in SVPA. No severe perioperative complications were observed. However, long-term complications were observed in five cases, 3 by IJVPA and 2 by SVPA, but no significant difference in the rate of complications was observed between these two approaches. A catheter-related thrombosis was found by CT scan in 3 patients, two of whom underwent IJVPA (6.7%) and one case underwent SVPA (3.8%). Two patients received simultaneous administration of bevacizumab. Catheter infections occurred in 1 patient who underwent IJVPA (3.3%) and 1 patient who underwent SVPA (3.8%). Conclusions: The IJVPA is a safe and feasible method for TIVAD placement.

Incidence of the Curvature of a Catheter on the Variations of the Inner Volume: Application to the Peripherally Central Catheters

One particular characteristic of peripherally central catheter (PCC), peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) or totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD), is to be submitted to a rotational movement around the shoulder in the daily routine. The aim of this paper is to show that these movements induce a variation of the inner volume of the catheter which may be responsible for an internal distal pollution of the lumen. The results are presented in the framework of an open discussion on the catheter protocols of use as well as a possible improvement of the materials.

Radio-opacity and incidental identified mechanical complications of totally implantable venous access devices placed in the chest

Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVAD) may be associated with different complications. Certain mechanical port disorders can easily be diagnosed on chest radiographs if the implanted systems are radiopaque and well visible. There are no reports regarding the visibility of TIVAD on chest X-rays. To assess the radio opacity of TIVAD implanted in the chest as well as type and frequency of mechanical complications of ports on chest X-ray images. Chest X-rays of 985 patients from the time period 2007-2009 were analyzed retrospectively. In these patients 1190 TIVAD were inserted. All parts of the TIVAD, i.e. port chamber, connection, and port catheter, were checked for their visibility on chest radiographs. An opacity score was used here as follows: ++ well visible; + visible; - partly or completely invisible. Mechanical complications of TIVAD incidentally detected on chest X-ray were also analyzed retrospectively. Nineteen TIVAD models with diverse configuration and visibility of port chambers, connections, and catheters were identified in our study. Eighty-eight percent of the analyzed port systems were well visible or visible on chest radiographs. Twelve percent of the port chambers and catheters were partly visible or completely invisible. In 9% of the TIVAD, different mechanical complications were diagnosed on chest X-ray images. TIVADs should be evaluated carefully on every chest X-ray. Ideally, they should be radio-opaque and well visible on thoracic X-ray images. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Therefore, manufacturers of TIVAD should take into consideration to use exclusively radio-opaque materials that allow sufficient visibility of each port component on chest radiographs.

Totally Implanted Venous Access Devices Implanted in the Saphenous Vein. Relation Between the Reservoir Site and Comfort/Discomfort of the Patients

When a totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD) is implanted in the femoral or saphenous vein, the port can be placed in the abdominal wall, thigh, or anteroinferior thoracic wall. This study analyzed the relationship between the position of the port and patient comfort. All patients who underwent TIVAD implantation from 1995 to 2011 were included in the study. Sex, age, indication for TIVAD implantation, contraindication for implantation in a vein draining into the superior vena cava, surgical technique, length of procedure, complications, difficulties recorded by nurses, and patient comfort or discomfort were recorded. The TIVAD was implanted in the saphenous vein in 6 of 581 patients (1.3%) who received a TIVAD, consisting of four male subjects and two female subjects aged 35 to 56 years (mean age: 47.3 years), who all underwent TIVAD implantation for the treatment of a solid tumor. The port was positioned in the anteroinferior thoracic wall in one patient, the abdominal wall in one patient, the anterior thigh in three patients, and the lateral thigh in one patient. The mean procedure duration was 52 minutes (range: 20-135 minutes). No immediate or early complications were recorded. The nurses had difficulty in puncturing the port in the abdominal wall. Patient comfort levels were high when the port was placed in the anterior thigh. The anterior thigh may be the most useful and comfortable position for the port of a TIVAD implanted in the inferior vena cava. Larger studies should be undertaken to confirm this.

Totally Implantable Central Venous Access Ports in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of late onset complications of totally implantable venous access devices (TIVAD) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and to investigate possible associations between the rate of complications and different policies of TIVAD management. A multicenter prospective cohort study was performed in 11 Italian CF Centers. Patients with CF and a TIVAD were recruited and followed-up. The study commenced on May 2008 and ended on September 2010. Eighty subjects were studied (77.5% women--mean age 27.2 years). Eighteen late complications of ports were observed (22.5%; incidence 0.96 per 1000 days of observation): three lumen occlusions, seven catheter-related infections , three port-related venous thrombosis, in addition to five other complications. A statistically significant association was found between the onset of catheter-related infection and the presence of CF-related diabetes (CFRD) (P=.0064) Our data suggest that TIVADs represent a safe and effective device for the intermittent IV administration of drugs in people with CF. However, people with CFRD have a higher risk of developing TIVAD-related infection.

288 CF patients with totally implantable venous access devices (TIVAD): prospective survey of Doppler-US (DUS) central venous thrombosis (CVT) and thrombophilia (TB) assessment

288 CF patients with totally implantable venous access devices (TIVAD): prospective survey of Doppler-US (DUS) central venous thrombosis (CVT) and thrombophilia (TB) assessment

Totally Implantable Venous Access Device Placement by Interventional Radiologists: Are Prophylactic Antibiotics Necessary?

PurposeTo determine the rate of early infection for totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) placed without antibiotic prophylaxis. Material and MethodsA list of patients who underwent TIVAD placement in 2009 was obtained from the patient archiving and communication system (PACS). This list was cross-referenced to all patients who underwent TIVAD removal from January 1, 2009, through January 30, 2010, to identify TIVADs that were removed within 30 days of placement. Retrospective chart review was performed to record patient demographics, including age, sex, cancer diagnosis, and indication for removal. Concurrent antibiotic therapy, chemotherapy, and laboratory data before and within 30 days of placement were recorded. Central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) were identified using U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria. ResultsThere were 1,183 ports placed and 13 removed. CLABSIs occurred in seven (0.6%) patients within 30 days of placement. At the time of TIVAD placement, 81 (7%) patients were receiving antibiotics incidental to the procedure. One patient who received an antibiotic the day of implantation developed a CLABSI. Chemotherapy was administered to 148 (13%) patients on the day of placement. ConclusionsThe rate of early infection without antibiotic prophylaxis before TIVAD placement in the interventional radiology suite is < 1%. Based on these data, use of prophylactic antibiotics for TIVAD placement is not recommended.

Management of functional complications of totally implantable venous access devices by an advanced practice nursing team: 5 Years of clinical experience

PurposeOur aim is to describe the number and distribution of requests addressed to an Advanced Practice Nursing team for functional problems of totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) and to describe, in detail, the malfunction management by the type and number of additional investigations and treatment modalities. MethodThe Advanced Practice Nursing team recorded data about all requests for support as part of the standard care. A specific protocol, the Leuven Malfunction Management Protocol was used for troubleshooting. In this descriptive, retrospective study, data of 3950 consecutive requests for TIVAD-related functional problems in 2019 patients were analyzed. Data collection included (1) demographic information, (2) device-related details, and (3) malfunction and follow-up details. Results‘Easy injection, impossible aspiration’ was the most frequently documented functional problem (66.9%) for all requests for help. Of all malfunctions, catheter tip was in an optimal position in 73.4%, thrombolytics were administered in 59.0%, and a linogram was performed in 4.9%. TIVAD removal/exchange was advised in 4.4% of the requests. ConclusionsTIVAD malfunction—defined operationally in terms of injection and/or aspiration problems—reflect all functional complications encountered in practice. Adherence to the Leuven Malfunction Management Protocol can ensure that, in most cases, catheter patency can be fully restored without removing or replacing the TIVAD. The Advanced Practice Nursing team coordinates the following treatments, investigations, and procedures: radiological catheter tip verification; thrombolytic agent administration and, if necessary, subsequent injection of solutions to dissolve drug precipitates or lipid deposits; linogram; percutaneous sleeve stripping; and TIVAD removal/replacement.

Intravenous electrocardiography helps inexperienced operators to place totally implantable venous access device more accurately

Proper tip position is a major determinant of totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD) outcome. The aim of this study is to analyze the potential utilization of intravenous electrocardiography (IV-ECG) to help inexperienced operators for TIVAD placement. This is a retrospective, observational, uni-institutional study. 331 patients receiving TIVAD implantation from July 2008 to December 2008 were recruited. In IV-ECG group, IV-ECG was used to help decide catheter tip location and catheter length. In Landmark group, catheter length was decided by surface landmarks. Catheter tip position was confirmed by post-operative supine chest X-ray. There were 153 patients in IV-ECG group, and 178 patients in Landmark group. No immediate reoperation due to catheter mal-position was noted in IV-ECG group, but it happened in eight patients in Landmark group. In IV-ECG group, 97.3% of the catheter tip located at proper position (within 2 cm from junction of right atrium and superior vena cava, as compared to 88.8% of the tip position in Landmark group was proper. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no complication associated with the use of IV-ECG. IV-ECG is a safe and convenient method to help inexperienced operators placing TIVAD.

The role of antibiotic prophylaxis in totally implantable venous access device placement: results of a single-center prospective randomized trial

Background This study evaluated whether prophylactic treatment with a cefazolin could prevent infections in patients who had a surgically inserted totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD). Methods We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing wound infection rates in 404 patients (203 received prophylactic cefazolin, 201 received a placebo) undergoing TIVAD insertion. Infections were evaluated 3, 7, 14, and 30 days after discharge and outcomes were compared and analyzed. Results Groups were well matched for all preoperative variables studied, including comorbid conditions. Superficial surgical site infection developed in 5 patients (2.5%) from the antibiotic group and 6 (3%) from the placebo group ( P = .75). One from each group developed deep surgical site infection. Both patients were readmitted and underwent repeated debridement, which eventually resulted in port loss in 1 patient. Conclusions We do not recommend the use of prophylactic antibiotics in TIVAD insertion because they will not decrease the already low rate of postoperative infectious complications. Registration number NCT00867295 ( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Systematic review: malfunction of totally implantable venous access devices in cancer patients

Malfunction of totally implantable venous access devices is a common complication. The purpose was to identify definitions used to describe malfunction and to investigate the incidence of malfunction in different types of port and catheter designs. Relevant studies were identified in PubMed that were published between January 1993 and February 2011. Empirical studies reporting functional outcomes in adults and where, at least 95% of the studied population consisted of onco-hematology patients with a newly inserted chest or arm port, were selected. The following data were extracted: patient and totally implantable venous access devices (TIVAD) characteristics, study design, definitions of malfunction, and functional outcomes. Two independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality of the series. Of the 4,886 potentially relevant articles, 57 were selected, involving 14,311 TIVADs. Twenty-nine percent of the studies explicitly defined malfunction. Malfunction incidence rates were expressed in six different ways, including the proportion of affected devices per inserted devices (incidence 0-47%); the number of affected devices per 1,000 catheter days (incidence 0-2.24 per 1,000 catheter days); and the number of malfunctions over the total number of accessing attempts (incidence 0-26%). Heterogeneity in the definitions used to describe device malfunction was evident. A broad range in the reported incidence of malfunction and in the kind of calculation and reporting methods was also found. Methodological quality of the studies was often poor. Standardization of definitions and accurate outcome measurement is needed. Calculation and report of malfunction incidence should be based on prospective data collected at the moment of an accession attempt.

Feasibility and Safety of Endovascular Stripping of Totally Implantable Venous Access Devices

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of percutaneous stripping of totally implantable venous access devices (TIVAD) in case of catheter-related sleeve and to report a technique to free the catheter tip from vessel wall adherence. A total of 37 stripping procedures in 35 patients (14 men, 40%, and 21 women, 60%, mean age 53±14 years) were reviewed. Totally implantable venous access devices were implanted because of malignancy in most cases (85.7%). Catheter-related sleeve was confirmed as cause of persistent catheter dysfunction despite instillation of thrombolytics. A technique to mobilize the catheter tip from the vessel wall was used when stripping with the snare catheter was impossible. Technical success, complication rate, and outcome were noted. A total of 55.9% (n=19) of the 34 technically successful procedures (91.9%) could be done with the snare catheter. In 15 cases (44.1%), additional maneuvers to free the TIVAD's tip from the vessel wall were needed. Success rate was not significantly lower before (72.4%) than after (96.7%) implementation of the new technique (P=0.09). No complications were observed. Follow-up was available in 67.6% of cases. Recurrent catheter dysfunction was found in 17 TIVADs (78.3%) at a mean of 137.7 days and a median of 105 days. Stripping of TIVADs is technically feasible and safe, with an overall success rate of 91.9%. Additional endovascular techniques to mobilize the distal catheter tip from the wall of the superior vena cava or right atrium to allow encircling the TIVAD tip with the snare catheter may be needed in 44.1% of cases.

Clinical review and analysis of complications of totally implantable venous access devices for chemotherapy

Since the first implant of totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD), performed by Niederhuber and colleague in 1982, the systems have increasingly been used in the field of oncology. We analyzed the clinical reviews and complications of TIVAD in an effort to achieve optimal management. We retrospectively studied 442 cases with TIVAD device at our hospital and we report the results. Four hundred and forty-two TIVAD were placed in the right subclavian vein in 345 cases, the left subclavian vein in 93 cases, the right jugular vein in 2 cases, the left jugular vein in 1 case, and the right femoral vein in 1 case. The immediate complications were 28 cases in malposition of the catheter, 10 cases of arterial puncture, and 2 cases of pneumothorax. The late complications were 3 cases of pocket infection, 2 cases of catheter related to sepsis, 3 cases of catheter obstruction, 2 cases of SVC thrombosis, and 1 case of catheter fracture (pinch-off syndrome: Hinke grade 3). There were no other early or late complications. The low rate of complications in the study confirms the safety and convenience of using TIVAD in patients undergoing prolonged chemotherapy. Yet because infection, thrombosis and catheter fracture are the most common long-term complications of TIVAD, early diagnosis and management of these problems can prevent severe complications.

Ultrasound-assisted percutaneous catheterization of the axillary vein for totally implantable venous access device

Background Placing a totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD) using the classical subclavian vein puncture method carries the risk of certain complications including hemothorax, pneumothorax and pinch-off syndrome. We set out to determine whether percutaneous axillary vein catheterization can decrease the incidence of these complications. Method This is a prospective, observational, uni-institutional study. We analyzed the outcome of 113 TIVADs performed by ultrasound-assisted percutaneous axillary vein catheterization from Jun. 2008 to Dec. 2008. Junior residents novice to subclavian and axillary vein catheterization performed the procedures. Insertion and indwelling catheter complications were recorded. Result In our study population, 100% of TIVAD placements were successful. 27 patients (23.9%) required 3 or more repeated punctures; only one patient (0.9%) had clinically insignificant pneumothorax. Neither arterial puncture nor brachial plexus injury was recorded in our study. Conclusion Ultrasound-assisted percutaneous axillary vein catheterization for TIVAD is a safe and relatively simple method for inexperienced operators.

Superior vena cava obstruction due to total implantable venous access devices in cystic fibrosis: Case series and review

As the life expectancy of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) improves, treatment related morbidity is increasingly recognised. Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) offer reliable long term central venous access but are associated with recognised complications including venous thrombosis. Superior vena cava obstruction (SVCO) however has been rarely reported in this setting. We report a single CF centre’s experience of SVCO associated with TIVADs in patients with CF, followed by a review of the published literature on risk factors, preventative strategies and treatment approaches.