Totally Implantable Venous Access Port Implantation Research Articles

Is ultrasound guidance necessary to avoid complications in the implantation of venous access ports?

The aim of this study was to present demographic information of patients undergoing totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) implantation and to investigate the rates of early and late complications, assessing the benefits of performing the procedure underUS guidance. From May 2018 to December 2023, the outcomes of a total of 537 TIVAP implantation procedures were analyzed retrospectively. Data of the surgeons' experiences for both puncture methods (anatomical landmarks and ultrasound guidance) are presented in the study. The average age of the patients was 53.1±11.9 years, and 261 (48.6%) were female. The right subclavian vein was the preferred insertion site. Fourteen patients developed early complications and 11 developed late complications. Arterial puncture was the most common early complication, while catheter-related infection was the most common late complication. The age, sex, and body mass index of the patients were not independent risk factors for developing complications. Early complications increased as the number of puncture attempts did (p=0.034) and developed significantly less when ultrasound guidance was used during insertion (p=0.011). The risk of developing complications was not affected by patient's age or sex. In addition, body mass index was not shown to be an independent risk factor for patients developing complications. It may be concluded from the study that early complications in particular can be reduced with ultrasound-guided implantation.

Clinical application of ultrasound-guided totally implantable venous access ports implantation via the posterior approach of the internal jugular vein.

To determine the feasibility and safety of ultrasound-guided totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) implantation via the posterior approach of the internal jugular vein (IJV). From September 2021 to August 2022, 88 oncology patients underwent ultrasound-guided implantation of TIVAPs via the posterior approach of the IJV for the administration of chemotherapy. The catheter tip was adjusted to be positioned at the cavoatrial junction under fluoroscopic guidance. Clinical data including surgical success, success rate for the first attempt, intraoperative, and postoperative complications were all collected and analyzed. All patients underwent successful surgery (100%), whereby 58 were via the right IJV and 30 via the left IJV, and the success rate for the first attempt was 96.59% (85/88). The operation time was 20 to 43 minutes, with an average of 26.59 ± 6.18 minutes with no intraoperative complications. The follow-up duration ranged from 1 to 12 months (mean = 5.28 ± 3.07) and the follow-up rate was 100%. The rate of postoperative complications was 4.55% (4/88), including port-site infection in two cases, fibrin sheath formation in one case, and port flip in one case. No other complications were observed during follow-up. Ultrasound-guided TIVAP implantation via the posterior approach of the IJV is feasible, safe, and effective, with a low rate of intraoperative and postoperative complications. Not only was the curvature of the catheter device smooth, but patients were satisfied with the comfort and cosmetic appearance. Additionally, we could reduce the possible complications of pinching and kinking of the catheter by using this approach. Therefore, further large-sample, prospective, and randomized controlled trials are warranted.

Adoption of nanoparticle micro-infusion valve in venous port access for tumor patients and self-care analysis.

It aimed to discuss the adoption of nanoparticle micro-infusion valves in the totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) of tumor patients and analyze the self-care of patients after surgery. A total of 189 tumor patients who received TIVAP chemotherapy were selected from the day chemotherapy outpatient department of the Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang City from June to October 2021. The questionnaire survey was conducted to collect and analyze the general information about the patients and the patient's self-care ability. All the surveys and analyses were performed using a general information questionnaire, self-care competence scale, self-management efficacy scale, social support scale, and self-rating anxiety scale. Moreover, the nanoparticle micro-infusion valve was prepared, and its characterization, in vitro drug release, and cytotoxicity were studied. The self-management ability of patients was concentrated in the middle and high levels. Marital status, education level, and economic status all had a great impact on the patient's self-care ability. The infusion of dithiothreitol (DTT) increased the drug release of the nanoparticle micro-infusion valve. When pH=5.0, the drug-loaded nanoparticle micro-infusion valve release amount was greater than when pH=7.4. When pH=5.0 and pH=7.4, the cell survival rates under the drug-loaded nanoparticle micro-infusion valve were both lower than that without drug loading. Nanoparticle micro-infusion valves can specifically identify tumor cells, and have good adoption prospects in TIVAP implantation in tumor patients. Gender, marital status, education level, etc. all affected the self-care ability of patients.

Dual ultrasound-guided totally implantable venous access ports via the right internal jugular vein in pediatric patients with cancer: a preliminary experience in a single institution

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of dual ultrasound-guided (DUG) totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) implantation (namely, using ultrasound-guided percutaneous puncture with transesophageal echocardiography-guided catheterization) via the right internal...

Catheter malposition analysis of totally implantable venous access port in breast cancer patients.

To investigate the occurrence of catheter malposition in breast cancer patients undergoing Totally Implantable Venous Access Port (TIVAP) implantation and analyze the effect of TIVAP implantation site on the incidence of catheter malposition. Clinical data of Breast cancer patients underwent TIVAP implantation in our department from 2017 to 2021 was collected by reviewing the electronic medical records. The catheter malposition rate, location and management of malposed catheters in TIVAP implantation were analyzed. We divided the patients into the left internal jugular vein (IJV) group and the right IJV group according to the site of TIVAP implantation and compared the difference in the catheter malposition incidence between the two groups. In addition, we counted the catheter malposition rate of TIVAP implantion via the left and right IJV in right breast cancer patients to analyze the effect of tumor status on the side of TIVAP implantation on the catheter malposition rate. A total of 1,510 catheters were implanted in 1,504 patients, and 16 (1.06%) had catheter malposition. The catheter malposition rate was 4.96% (7/141) for TIVAP implanted via the left IJV and 0.66% (9/1,369) for right IJV, with a statistically significant difference (χ 2 = 18.699, P < 0.05). 743 TIVAPs were implanted in patients with right-sided breast tumor, of which the incidence of catheter malposition was 5.15% (7/136) for TIVAP implanted via left IJV and 0.82% (5/607) for right IJV, with a statistically significant difference (χ 2 = 10.290, P < 0.05). Malposed catheters were found in the subclavian vein, IJV, brachiocephalic vein, internal thoracic vein, undefined collateral veins, and outside the blood vessels. All malposed catheters were successfully adjusted to the proper position by simple manipulative repositioning or percutaneous positioning with the assistance of digital subtraction angiography (DSA), except for 1 case was removed the port because the catheter tip was located outside the vessel. The catheter malposition rate of ultrasound-guided TIVAP implantation via IJV is low, and the malposed catheter can be successfully adjusted to the proper position by simple manipulative repositioning or DSA-assisted percutaneous positioning, however, the catheter malposition incidence of TIVAP implanted via left IJV is higher than that via the right side.

Safety and feasibility assessment of extending the flushing interval in totally implantable venous access port flushing during the non-treatment stage for patients with breast cancer.

To investigate the safety and feasibility of extending the flushing interval for the totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) during the non-treatment stage in patients with breast cancer (BC) by retrospectively analyzing the patients' clinical data, including the incidence of TIVAP-related complications. This single-center retrospective study included patients with BC who underwent TIVAP implantation at our hospital between January 2018 and March 2021 during their non-treatment phase and visited the hospital regularly for TIVAP flushing. Among the 1013 patients with BC who received TIVAP implantation, 617 patients were finally included on the basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into three groups according to the length of the flushing interval: group 1 (≤30 days, n = 79), group 2 (31-90 days, n = 66), and group 3 (91-120 days, n = 472). The basic characteristics of patients in each group and the incidence of TIVAP-related complications (catheter obstruction, infection, and thrombosis) were analyzed. No significant intergroup differences were observed in age, body mass index (BMI), tumor stage, pathological staging, implantation approach, chemotherapy regimen, duration of treatment, and TIVAP-related blood return rate (P > 0.05). Among patients from all three groups, 11 cases of catheter pump-back without blood and eight cases of TIVAP-related complications such as infection, thrombosis, and catheter obstruction were recorded. However, no significant differences in TIVAP-related complications were observed among the three groups (P > 0.05). Extending the TIVAP flushing interval beyond three months during the non-treatment stage in BC patients is safe and feasible and did not increase the incidence of TIVAP-related complications.

Analysis of related complications of totally implantable venous access ports in children's chemotherapy: Single center experience.

Totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) has become an important infusion channel for children who need chemotherapy. With the popularization of TIVAP, its related complications have gradually received clinical attention. However, there are few studies on the complications of TIVAP in children. Therefore, this study intends to analyze the risk factors of complications in children’s infusion port, so as to provide basis for guiding clinical prevention and intervention.This paper retrospectively analyzed 182 children who received TIVAP implantation in our hospital from January 2018 to January 2021. According to the demographic data, basic disease status and operation related data obtained through Hospital Information System and manual follow-up, the complications and related influencing factors after implantation and implantation were summarized and analyzed. SPSS software was used to analyze the influencing factors between the complication group and the control group.There were 182 cases of children implanted in intravenous infusion port, of which 71 cases had complications, infection was the most common complication in 50 cases, followed by catheter blockage in 23 cases. Among the infection factors, catheter-related blood stream infection accounted for the highest proportion in 31 cases (17.0%), and Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common pathogen. A total of 19 cases were pulled out early, and the unplanned pullout rate of catheter-related blood stream infection was the highest. In the analysis of influencing factors, age had significant differences in catheter-related infection, all complications and no complications (P < .05).The overall incidence of complications in the use of TIVAP in children with chemotherapy is high, and infection is the most common complication, among which catheter-related blood stream infection is the most common cause of unplanned pullout. Lower age may be associated with a higher incidence of complications.

Efficacy, Safety, and Cost-Effectiveness of Intracavitary Electrocardiography-Guided Catheter Tip Placement for Totally Implantable Venous Access Port

Intracavitary electrocardiography (IC-ECG) has been extensively used for locating the catheter tip of the central venous access devices (CVADs) with favorable safety and accuracy. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of IC-ECG-guided catheter tip placement for totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) by comparing with the standard fluoroscopy method. A total of 231 patients who underwent TIVAP implantation from September 2019 to April 2021 were enrolled in the retrospective study. Fluoroscopy and IC-ECG were conducted intraoperatively to confirm the position of catheter tips. Demographic characteristics, surgical data, the catheter tip position, complication rate, and incidence, cost of procedures, and indwelling time were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the risk factors of TIVAP-related complications. There was no significance between the fluoroscopy group and the IC-ECG group in terms of the rate of ideal position (P=0.733). Nine patients (3.9%) developed TIVAP-related complications. Complication rates and incidence were similar in the fluoroscopy group and the IC-ECG group (3.1% and 0.114/1000 catheter days vs. 4.4% and 0.105/1000 catheter days). The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that there was no significant difference in indwelling time between the 2 groups (Log Rank P=0.634). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that body mass index (BMI) was an independent risk factor for TIVAP-related complications (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.139 - 1.563, P < 0.001). The IC-ECG group was less costly than the fluoroscopy group (¥9928 ± 362 vs. ¥11762 ± 431, P < 0.001). IC-ECG-guided catheter tip placement for TIVAP is feasible, safe, and cost-effective, with high accuracy, low risk of complications, and lower cost. It may be considered as an alternative to the standard fluoroscopy method for catheter tip placement of TIVAP.

Totally implantable venous access port insertion via open Seldinger approach of the internal jugular vein\u2014a retrospective risk stratification of 500 consecutive patients

PurposeModern oncological treatment algorithms require a central venous device in form of a totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP). While most commonly used techniques are surgical cutdown of the cephalic vein or percutaneous puncture of the subclavian vein, there are a relevant number of patients in which an additional strategy is needed. The aim of the current study is to present a surgical technique for TIVAP implantation via an open Seldinger approach of the internal jugular vein and to characterize risk factors, associated with primary failure as well as short- (< 30 days) and long-term (> 30 days) complications.MethodsA total of 500 patients were included and followed up for 12 months. Demographic and intraoperative data and short- as well as long-term complications were extracted. Primary endpoint was TIVAP removal due to complication. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze associated risk factors.ResultsSurgery was primarily successful in all cases, while success was defined as functional (positive aspiration and infusion test) TIVAP which was implanted via open Seldinger approach of the jugular vein at the intended site. TIVAP removal due to complications during the 1st year occurred in 28 cases (5.6%) while a total of 4 (0.8%) intraoperative complications were noted. Rates for short- and long-term complications were 0.8% and 6.6%, respectively.ConclusionWhile the presented technique requires relatively long procedure times, it is a safe and reliable method for TIVAP implantation. Our results might help to further introduce the presented technique as a secondary approach in modern TIVAP surgery.

Perioperative and Postoperative Complications of Supraclavicular, Ultrasound-Guided, Totally Implantable Venous Access Port via the Brachiocephalic Vein in Adult Patients: A Retrospective Multicentre Study.

PurposeThe totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) provides patients with safe, effective and long-term convenient venous access for the administration of medications such as chemotherapy drugs. The implantation and long-term use of TIVAP are related to thrombosis, infection and other complications. In this study, the medical records of multicentre patients were collected, and the perioperative and postoperative complications were retrospectively analysed to objectively evaluate the safety of the implantation of supraclavicular, ultrasound-guided TIVAP via the brachiocephalic vein (BCV).Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 433 adult patients who had undergone ultrasound-guided TIVAP implantation via the BCV at four hospitals in China from March 2018 to May 2019. The success rates of the first puncture, operation time, and perioperative and postoperative complications were analysed.ResultsAll the TIVAPs were implanted successfully (100%). The average TIVAP carrying time was 318.15 ±44.22 days (range: 38–502 days) for a total of 197,694 catheter days. The success rate of the first puncture was 94.92% (411/433), and the average operation time was 29.66 ±7.45 min (range: 18–60 min). The perioperative complications included arterial puncture in 4 patients and pneumothorax in 1 patient. The incidence of postoperative complications was 5.08% (22/433), including poor incision healing (n = 2), catheter-related infection (n = 3), port infection (n = 6), thrombosis (n = 2) and fibrin sheath formation (n = 8). Another patient had infusion disturbance 2 days after the operation, and chest X-ray showed bending at the connection between the catheter and port. No other serious complications occurred, such as catheter rupture and drug leakage. The total incidence of complications was 6.24% (27/433).ConclusionThis study showed excellent tolerance of supraclavicular, ultrasound-guided BCV puncture to implant TIVAP and a low incidence of complications. As a safe and effective method of TIVAP implantation, it can provide a new choice for clinicians.

Application of transesophageal echocardiography for localization in totally implantable venous access port implantation through subclavian approach in children.

A totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) is important in children who need intravenous infusion for a long time. A number of studies have shown methods for locating the tip of the TIVAP catheter. To explore whether transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) can be used to accurately locate the TIVAP catheter tip through a subclavian approach and to improve the rate of correct TIVAP catheter placement and reduce complications of TIVAP placement. In 36 children who needed TIVAP implantation surgery, we used real‐time TEE guidance to place the catheter tip around the crista terminalis. In all children, chest X‐rays were used to figure out whether the catheter tip as localized by TEE was within the T5‐T7 segment. Then, we compared the length of the catheter calculated by the height formula and the actual catheter length applied under TEE guidance. The medical records, surgical details, nursing records, and recorded complications were collected during the follow‐up. The success rate of TIVAP implantation was 100% in all enrolled patients and no hemopneumothorax or pinch‐off syndrome occurred. Compared with TEE, chest X‐ray showed a coincidence rate of 80.56% in correctly detecting the TIVAP catheter tip locate. The height‐derived catheter length (11.0 [9.6, 11.8]) cm and the TEE‐derived catheter length (10.0 [9.3, 10.8]) cm were significantly different (p < .001). TEE can be used to guide TIVAP catheter positioning through a left subclavian approach in children accurately and successfully and more accurate than chest X‐ray and height calculation formula.

Modified surface measurement method to determine catheter tip position of totally implantable venous access port through right subclavian vein

BackgroundOptimal catheter tip position of a totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) is important to maintain its function and to avoid severe complications. In this study, we aimed to assess the reliability of a modified surface measurement method to determine optimal tip position of a TIVAP catheter inserted through the right subclavian vein. MethodsClinical and radiologic information of 105 patients who underwent TIVAP implantation through the right subclavian vein was collected retrospectively. The length of the implanted catheter was determined by a modified surface measurement method, as follows. The distance from the puncture point (point A) to the middle point of the sternal notch (point B), then from the middle point of the sternal notch (point B) to the middle point of Louis angle (point C) was added up. The equation for the catheter length is given by catheter length (cm) = AB + BC + 3. Postprocedure plain chest radiography (CXR) and enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) were used to check the catheter tip position and to calculate optimal position rate. Distance from the carina to the catheter tip and the length of the vertebral body unit were measured on both CXR and CT. Distances from carina to caval-atrial junction (CAJ) and from catheter tip to CAJ were measured on CT. ResultsMean length of the implanted catheter of all patients was 17.0 ± 0.7 cm (male vs female, 17.3 ± 0.5 cm vs 16.7 ± 0.7 cm; P < .001). On CXR, a catheter tip located within 2.4 vertebral body units below the carina was identified as the optimal position, and the optimal position rate was 97.1% (102/105 cases). On CT, two definitions of optimal position were used: within 2 cm above or below the CAJ and within 2 cm above or at the CAJ; the optimal position rate was 92.4% (97/105 cases) and 78.1% (82/105 cases), respectively. Median follow-up time was 9.4 months. During the follow-up, no severe cardiac complication was recorded. ConclusionsThe modified surface measurement had high reliability in determining the optimal catheter length to accurately place the tip in the superior vena cava near the CAJ.

Femoral placement of a totally implantable venous access port with spontaneous catheter fracture: case report

BackgroundThe incidence of catheter fracture after standard positioning of a totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) is reported to be 1.1%–5.0%; however, the incidence of catheter fracture after TIVAP implantation at a femoral site remains unclear.Case presentationIn a 30-year-old man with angiosarcoma of the right atrium, tumor embolism was observed from the left brachiocephalic vein to the superior vena cava. A TIVAP was implanted in the right femur. A catheter fracture was spontaneously observed after 7 months.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of catheter fracture in a TIVAP implantation at a femoral site.

Application of upper arm totally implantable venous access ports in 34 patients with tumor

Objective To investigate the safety, feasibility and clinical application effect of upper arm totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) inserted by the combination of oncologists and nurses in patients with tumor. Methods A total of 34 patients, who needed long-term transfusion treatment, were included in this study with upper arm TIVAP from March 2017 and December 2017. There were 20 males and 14 females. The median age was 63 (35~83) years. Upper arm TIVAP was implanted by both doctors and nurses into the patients with tumor, and the TIVAP related success rate, complications and patients satisfaction were recorded. Results 34 patients all succeeded in TIVAP implantation with the operation success rate of 100%. The average operation time was about 40 minutes (30 to 60 minutes) from the disinfecting cloth to the end of the suture. The operations of all patients were successful. After the operation two patients died of cancer progression, one patient had soft tissue infection around capsular bag, None of the patients had other complications such as blocked infusion, catheter shift, port reversal, and so on, and the incidence of complication was 2.94%(1/34). Conclusions Upper arm TIVAP has the advantages of safe puncture, shorter operation time, few intra-operative and post-operative complications and higher feasibility for operation by both oncologist and nurse, which can supplement the limitations and deficiencies of the chest wall port and PICC in a certain extent, therefore is a good choice for clinical application. Key words: Upper arm; Totally implantable access port; Cancer

Endovascular stent-based revascularization of malignant superior vena cava syndrome with concomitant implantation of a port device using a dual venous approach.

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endovascular revascularization of malignant superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) and simultaneous implantation of a totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) using a dual venous approach. Retrospectively, 31 patients (mean age 67 ± 8years) with malignant CVO who had undergone revascularization by implantation of a self-expanding stent into the superior vena cava (SVC) (Sinus XL®, OptiMed, Germany; n = 11 [Group1] and Protégé ™ EverFlex, Covidien, Ireland; n = 20 [Group 2]) via a transfemoral access were identified. Simultaneously, percutaneous access via a subclavian vein was used to (a) probe the lesion from above, (b) facilitate a through-and-through maneuver, and (c) implant a TIVAP. Primary endpoints with regard to the SVC syndrome were technical (residual stenosis < 30%) and clinical (relief of symptoms) success; with regard to TIVAP implantation technical success was defined as positioning of the functional catheter within the SVC. Secondary endpoints were complications as well as stent and TIVAP patency. Technical and clinical success rate were 100% for revascularization of the SVS and 100% for implantation of the TIVAP. One access site hematoma (minor complication, day 2) and one port-catheter-associated sepsis (major complication, day 18) were identified. Mean catheter days were 313 ± 370days. Mean imaging follow-up was 184 ± 172days. Estimated patency rates at 3, 6, and 12months were 100% in Group 1 and 84, 84, and 56% in Group 2 (p = 0.338). Stent-based revascularization of malignant SVCS with concomitant implantation of a port device using a dual venous approach appears to be safe and effective.

Outcome of totally implantable venous-access port-related infections

ObjectiveWe aimed to study factors associated with the outcome of totally implantable venous-access port (TIVAP)-related infections. Patients and methodsWe conducted a prospective and observational cohort study of patients presenting with a solid tumor and TIVAP-related infection. ResultsWe monitored 97 patients for 12weeks. The case fatality at 12weeks was high (54%). Factors associated with case fatality at week 12 included patients’ underlying cancer (metastatic status, parenteral nutrition, home care). Infectious complications (local abscess, hematogenous metastases, infection recurrence, septic shock) were frequently observed (48%). The delay in TIVAP removal was the only variable significantly associated with complications (TIVAP removed more than a week after removal decision, P=0.001, or more than a week after onset of clinical symptoms, P=0.002). On the basis of IDSA guidelines, we also observed that 25% of patients whose TIVAP had been removed could have benefited from a conservative treatment. Infections occurring within a month of TIVAP implantation were significantly associated with a Staphylococcus aureus infection (P=0.008). ConclusionCase fatality is high in this population of patients due to the poor status of patients. TIVAP should be promptly removed when appropriate but the patient's poor status might delay or even prevent its removal. Some patients could instead benefit from a conservative treatment. There is currently no recommendation for this therapeutic option and studies are needed to clarify its efficacy. Additionally, infection occurring within a month of TIVAP insertion could be a supplementary criterion for removal as S. aureus is associated with early infection.

Implanting totally implantable venous access port via the internal jugular vein guided by ultrasonography is feasible and safe in patients with breast cancer.

BackgroundBecause of long-term use for chemotherapy and fluid administration in cancer patients, a totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) has been advised as a feasible catheter. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided internal jugular vein (IJV) puncture for TIVAP implantation in patients with breast cancer.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of 492 patients who underwent US-guided IJV puncture for TIVAP implantation at our oncology department between 2010 and 2013. Indications, surgical complications, and early and long-term complications were analyzed.ResultsAll TIVAPs were implanted successfully. Indications for TIVAP were chemotherapy alone (88 patients), chemoradiotherapy (387 patients), surgery (12 patients), and parenteral nutrition (5 patients). Complications were observed in 65 (13.21%) patients. The median duration of the TIVAP was 359 days (range, 28 to 712 days) without damage to the port or catheter, or leakage of drugs outside of the port system.ConclusionsA TIVAP can be employed for chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition on the implantation day. Using a US-guided IJV puncture to completely implant a TIVAP is feasible and safe in patients with breast cancer.

Massive fluidopneumothorax after implantation of a totally implantable venous access port: report of a case

BACKGROUND: Extravascular catheter placement during implantation of totally implantable venous access port (TIAP) is a rare complication. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: We report a case of a 48-year-old woman with a normal postoperative chest x-ray developing a massive fluidopneumothorax after first application of chemotherapy via TIAP. Intravenous catheter placement was not confirmed by aspiration of blood after TIAP implantation. Postoperative chest X-ray was performed describing the catheter to be in correct position. CONCLUSIONS: Aspiration of blood should be done directly after TIAP implantation to prove intravascular position of catheter. Postoperative chest X-ray without a contrast medium fails to detect extravascular catheter placement.