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"Chemoport (totally implantable venous access device) and its catheter system are used to administer long-term chemotherapy in cancer patients" Mittal et al (2021).
Implantable ports in oncology

Abstract:

Background: Chemoport (totally implantable venous access device) and its catheter system are used to administer long-term chemotherapy in cancer patients. The objective of this study was to analyze the complications associated with chemoport insertion in various cancer patients.

Material and Methods: A total number of 168 chemoports along with polyurethane catheters were inserted in various cancer patients over a period of 3 years. 9.6 F polyurethane catheters were put by a team of surgical oncologists in operation theater under general or local anesthesia. Analysis of the complications was done until the chemoport was removed due to any reason.

Results: Out of 168 patients, 30 (17.85%) developed complications. Complications included arterial puncture, malposition of the catheter tip, pneumothorax, hematoma, seroma, deep vein thrombosis, fracture of the catheter, a reversal of port, infections, and thrombosis of the catheter. Only a few required premature port and catheter removal.

Conclusion: There was a low rate of complications associated with chemoport using a polyurethane type of catheter system. However, infection-related complications were comparatively more common in our series. Chemoport requires expert handling, patient education, strict follow-up, and dedicated teamwork to minimize complications.

Reference:

Mittal GS, Sundriyal D, Naik NB, Sehrawat A. Totally Implantable Venous Access Device (Chemoport) in Oncology: Study of 168 Polyurethane Chemoport Catheter System. South Asian J Cancer. 2021 Dec 31;10(4):261-264. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1739041. PMID: 34984207; PMCID: PMC8719977.