Totally implantable central venous access devices in pediatric oncology--our experience in 46 patients

Eur J Pediatr Surg. 1993 Apr;3(2):101-6. doi: 10.1055/s-2008-1063521.

Abstract

Between 1986 and 1990, 50 venous access devices have been implanted in 45 children with various types of cancer and in one patient with Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Twenty-five devices were of the so-called "pediatric" type (Port-A-Cath: 24, Vascuport: 1) and 25 were "adult" ports (Port-A-Cath: 8, Vascuport: 6, Infuse-A-Port: 6, Theraport: 5). The catheters (in silicone elastomer or polyurethane) were inserted percutaneously or surgically. Cumulative total venous access was 15024 patient-days (mean: 290 days per patient, range 2-900 days). Occlusion of the system, the most frequent complication, was encountered in 5 patients (11%). Rarer complications were catheter-related infection (2 pts), pneumothorax (1 pt), skin necrosis (1 pt), catheter leakage (1 pt) and port-catheter disconnection (1 pt). No serious complication ever occurred in 35 patients (76%). Seven of the 11 complications, including all 3 port occlusions, were encountered with "pediatric" systems. All the adult access devices tested were safe and allowed long-standing access to the central venous system in this series of pediatric cancer patients. With proper placement technique and adequate nursing care, they represent a definite improvement in child cancer therapy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Blood Specimen Collection / instrumentation
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / instrumentation*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infusion Pumps, Implantable*
  • Leukemia / therapy*
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / therapy*