Totally implantable venous-access ports: local problems and extravasation injury

Abstract

Totally implantable venous-access ports (TIVAPs) are valuable instruments for long-term intravenous treatment of patients with cancer, but implantation and use of these devices are each associated with complications. In addition to the perioperative problems, long-term complications can arise; these can be classified in five categories -catheter malfunction, catheter-related venous thrombosis, catheter-related infection, port-related complications, and extravasation injury. Such complications reduce the benefits of reliable access to the venous system in patients with malignant tumours. The vast majority of such disadvantages are attributable to inexpert handling of ports and, therefore, should be avoidable. TIVAP placement procedures and TIVAP complications are discussed in this review, with special emphasis on local problems and extravasation injuries. To obtain maximum benefit from TIVAPs, all health-care personnel must be familiar with the use and routine maintenance procedures of the devices and treatment options for catheter-related complications.