Port a Cath Insertion by Interventional Radiologists Tips and Tricks

Background: Modern chemotherapeutic management depends on repeated and safe access to the venous system for the delivery of drugs, fluids, and blood products and the periodic monitoring of the effects of treatment. Peripheral veins are rapidly destroyed by repeated venipuncture and by long-term chemotherapy. The long-term venous access devices (VADs) have helped to overcome the need for repeated peripheral or central venous puncture. One frequently employed type of venous access system is the Port-A-Cath system. The Port-A-Cath is a totally implantable VAD in which a conventional central venous catheter is attached to a subcutaneous injection port usually on the chest wall. The usage of ports for a wide variety of indications has also brought a wide spectrum of complications that are well documented in the existing literature. Methods: Two hundred and ninety patients were reviewed retrospectively in a 5 years' period (2011–2016) for the site of insertion, the type of the port the proper port function and the potential complications. Results: The results were in favor of low incidence of complications with some precautions (11.6%) as regard the insertion technique. Conclusion: Port a cath is an excellent auxiliary device for patients receiving regular chemotherapy conditioning that proper steps for insertion are followed

Publication History

Article published online:
11 May 2021