Retrospective review of incidence and complications relating to implantable central venous catheters (CVC) by interventional radiologists and surgeons: A single institution review within the South Australian Health network.

Implantable central venous catheters (CVC), such as; Port-a-Cath ®, Infusaports ®, allow patients requiring frequent or ongoing medication administration long-term venous access.  This minimizes potential patient trauma, anxiety and infection-risk from repeated attempts at peripheral venous access.

This study reviewed deployment of n=200 consecutive implantable CVCs and related complications which were categorized into early (<30days), and long term (>30 days).

This review was confined to a single Institution within the South Australian Health Network. Most common line complication warranting removal was infection. Slight, but not statistically significant difference between line catheters deployed by interventional radiologist when compared to under surgical team.

Author(s):

Thanh Duong, M Sparmon and M Carey

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