Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate the technical aspects, results and complications of patients with
implanted anterior chest wall port.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 1997 and June
1999, a total of 63 implanted ports were placed at the anterior chest wall of 63
consecutive patients by interventional radiologists. The indications were chemotherapy
in 61 patients and total parenteral nutrition in two. The peripheral portion of the
subclavian vein was punctured under fluoroscopic guidance via ipsilateral peripheral
vein during venography. A central venous catheter was placed in the superior vena cava,
and using the subcutaneous tunneling method, a connected infusion port was implanted at
the anterior chest wall. Results and complications were reviewed, and by means of
Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the expected patency of the port was determined.
RESULTS: The technical success rate for implanted port at the anterior chest wall
was 100%(63/63 patients). In two patients, hematoma and oozing were treated by compression.
The duration of port implantation ranged from 12 to 855(mean, 187) days, and the port patency
rate was 305.7 +/-47.6 days. In seven patients [completed chemotherapy (n=3), central venous
thrombosis (n=3) catheter-related infection (n=1)], the port was re-moved. Catheter obstruction
occurred in two patients, and in one, the use of urokinase led to successful re-canalization.
Sixteen patients died of an underlying malignancy, but no catheter-related death was noted.
CONCLUSION: Implantation of an anterior chest wall port is a safe and useful procedure, with
long patency, for patients requiring chemotherapy and long-term venous access.