Rupture of totally implantable central venous access devices (Intraports) in patients with cancer: report of four cases

Background  

Totally implantable central venous access devices (intraports) are commonly used in cancer patients to administer chemotherapy or parenteral nutrition. Rupture of intraport is a rare complication.     

Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Ultrasound-Guided Procedure with the Seldinger’s Technique for Placement of Implantable Venous Ports

The aim of this randomized controlled study was to compare ultrasound-guided procedure with the Seldinger’s technique for placement of implantable venous ports. A total of 214 patients were randomized to receive TIAP placement by either ultrasound-guided procedure or the Seldinger’s technique. Complications and pain perception were compared between these two groups. No severe perioperative or periinterventional complication occurred. Significantly (P < 0.05) lower pain perception was observed in the ultrasound-guided group. Seldinger’s technique group showed higher rate in incidence of early and late complications including catheter dislocation, catheter occlusion, venous thrombosis, fever of unknown origin, skin necrosis, and sepsis. In conclusion, both techniques, the TIAP implantation via ultrasound-guided jugular vein puncture and via Seldinger’s technique subclavian vein puncture, are feasible and safe. Regarding intrainterventional pain perception and implantation-related complications, the jugular vein puncture under ultrasound guidance seems to be advantageous.     

Chronic central vein catheterization for intraoperative and long-term venous access in swine

Chronic venous access and repeated blood sampling for research purposes in large swine ideally should be possible without sedation, restraint or direct venipuncture of deep vessels. An operative technique of cranial vena cava catheterization and chronic catheter maintenance methods are described which were used successfully in the placement of 11 silicone rubber catheters in 10 animals. All were used for repeated blood sampling, as well as intraoperative infusion of medications and large fluid volumes. Long term patency was excellent with 10 catheters patent at the end of the study interval, up to 14 weeks after insertion. Serial blood sampling was accomplished easily without restraint. Catheter damage, infection or malfunction was rare. Proper maintenance and careful aseptic blood sampling render the cranial vena cava catheter a safe and reliable alternative to direct venipuncture in swine.     

Chronic vascular catheters in growing piglets

Chronic vascular catheterization of growing piglets is problematic because the animals grow rapidly and disrupt each others catheters when housed together. We successfully maintained chronic arterial and venous catheters in growing piglets for the first two months of life using the Vascular-Access-Port, a totally implantable catheter system. Two Vascular-Access-Ports (one venous and one arterial) were surgically placed in each of ten, 3-7 days-old piglets. Nine piglets survived the perioperative period, and for eight piglets the ports were successfully used for experimental purposes to infuse drugs, monitor arterial blood pressure and obtain blood samples for approximately two months. During this period the piglets averaged an eight-fold increase in body weight. This technique of chronic vascular catheterization is useful for experiments employing conscious, growing animals.     

Hydrothorax after Central Venous Catheterization

Three patients are described who developed hydrothorax as a complication of central venous catheterization. Respiratory distress associated with physical signs of fluid in the chest should arouse suspicion that the venous catheter has perforated the wall of the vein.The complications of central venous catheterization are reviewed and three cases of hydrothorax are presented. Comments on the prevention of these complications, their diagnosis and treatment if they occur, are made.     

Complications of central venous catheterization from an anatomical point of view

For access to the central venous system numerous percutaneous methods and approaches exist. Questions are often raised concerning which approach is the safest. In 18 human cadavers, we punctured the internal jugular vein via an anterior and posterior approach and the subclavian vein via an infraclavicular route to determine which of these approaches is better with respect to success rate and frequency of puncture complications. The position of the needles was assessed by dissection. Successful venipunctures were achieved in 81% by the posterior approach, as opposed to 58% by the anterior approach and the infraclavicular route. The lowest frequency of complications was attained by the posterior approach (17%) too, whereas the anterior approach (33%) and the subclavian route (25%) had higher complication rates. The main complication of posterior and anterior approaches was inadvertent arterial puncture (9 vs. 19%). At the subclavian approach puncture of a 'wrong' vein was frequent (14%), and the complications included a case of pleura lesion. In conclusion the posterior approach to the internal jugular vein is superior to the other investigated approaches, and therefore, it can reasonably be proposed as a usual route for the insertion of a central venous catheter.     

Hemorrhage associated with hepatic artery pseudoaneurysms after regional chemotherapy with floxuridine: case report

Pseudoaneurysms of the hepatic artery are a rare complication in patients with primary or secondary liver tumors treated with intra-arterial chemotherapy. We present two patients who developed this complication after placement of a catheter system into the gastroduodenal artery and initiation of regional chemotherapy with floxuridine. Diagnosis was made after symptomatic bleeding occurred, necessitating emergency angiography with coil embolization. Pseudoaneurysms usually occur after mechanical damage of the vessel wall, but the chemical toxicity of floxuridine may add to the development of vascular impairment.     

留置中心静脉导管加尿激酶心包内灌洗治疗急性结核性心包炎的临床疗效观察

目的：观察留置中心静脉导管引流加尿激酶心包内灌洗治疗急性结核性心包炎的疗效。方法：自1996年1月～2009年5月对我院48例临床确诊为急性结核性心包炎伴中到大量积液的患者（病程均短于1月）,男28例,女20例,年龄14～72岁。随机分为两组,治疗组（常规抗结核、肾上腺糖皮质激素治疗的基础上给予留置中心静脉导管心包引流加心包内尿激酶灌洗治疗）或对照组（常规抗结核、肾上腺糖皮质激素治疗基础上给予留置中心静脉导管引流）。观察并比较两组穿刺并发症（心包内出血、心律失常及感染）,治疗前、后心包膜厚度的变化,拔管时心包积液的残留量,以及通过电话问询及心脏超声随访并发症,随访截止日期为2010年5月。随访期限为11～132个月。结果：治疗组与对照组比较,治疗组治疗1周及2周后心包膜厚度的变化、拔管时积液残留量及发生心包缩窄方面有明显差异（P〈0.05）,穿刺相关并发症方面无明显差异（P〉0.05）。全部治疗组患者给予尿激酶治疗后未见心包内出血及系统性出血并发症。随访期内无一例发生死亡,治疗组及对照组分别有1例（4.2%）及8例（33.3%）发生心包缩窄。结论：留置中心静脉导管加尿激酶灌洗治疗急性结核性心包炎安全、可行,心包积液引流彻底,拔管时间早,心包膜增厚程度显著减轻,心包粘连机会减少,能有效地预防患者心包缩窄的发生。     

Modified procedure for implantation of subcutaneous central venous access devices in macaques (Macaca mulatta)

A nonhuman primate model comprising adult male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) with chronically indwelling subcutaneous central venous access devices provides a unique opportunity to determine plasma pharmacokinetics of new drugs such as anticancer and anti- retroviral agents. The central venous access we use is a low-profile, single-septum, titanium port that is attached to a radiopaque, indwelling catheter; the catheter is implanted in an internal jugular vein. A common complication following placement of the venous access device was migration of the catheter tip. We therefore modified the standard procedure by cutting the silicone catheter and introducing the rigid connector to secure the catheter to the vessel at the insertion site (approximately 9 to 13 cm from the distal end of the catheter). Prior to the use of the connector, three of five catheters migrated within 4 weeks after placement. In contrast, all 13 internal jugular catheters with connectors have remained patent without migration of the catheter tip. Therefore, incorporation of the catheter connector appears to have eliminated the problem of catheter migration.     

Autogenous arteriovenous elbow fistula for haemodialysis and upper extremity ischemia

BACKGROUND: The autogenous brachiocephalic or brachiobasilic arteriovenous elbow fistula is not considered to be only the secondary haemodialysis access. In patients with an unsuitable forearm vessel bundle, it is indicated as primary access and it is the method preferred to the fistula creation using a vascular prosthesis. Its rather rare complication is the development of upper extremity ischemia. AIM: To summarise current knowledge of this fistula type and its associated complications METHODS: Review of the literature. RESULTS: The creation and maturation of the fistula and occurrence of the steal syndrome is influenced by a number of factors. The analysis and awareness of such factors will provide for creation of a suitable fistula as well as for timely complication diagnostics and treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The autogenous elbow fistula utilising the brachial artery and the cephalic or basilic vein in the upper extremity represents a high-quality haemodialysis access. Its potential complication is the occurrence of the steal syndrome. Its occurrence and manifestations do not constitute indications for ligation of the access. The gathered information shows that a suitable surgical procedure can help meet the basic rule for haemodialysis access--resolving the ischemia and maintaining the access.     

Another method to prevent venous thrombosis in microsurgery: an in situ venous catheter

Free-flap failure is in the order of 4 to 10 percent. Heparin is more effective at preventing venous thrombosis than arterial thrombosis. This study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of delivering heparin at a high dose locally but low dose systemically (heparin infusion via a catheter placed proximal to the venous anastomosis) to prevent venous thrombosis in microsurgery. A model of venous thrombosis was first established by a venous inversion graft in the rat femoral vein (this was performed in seven animals and resulted in 100 percent thrombosis). Saline and heparin were delivered proximal to the inverted vein graft to assess the effect of each in preventing venous thrombosis. Flow/patency distal to the inverted vein graft was assessed by observation under the microscope, the milk test, and rate of flow (flowmeter). Saline infused via a catheter proximal to the venous inversion graft resulted in 100 percent thrombosis in 10 animals. Heparin (100 U/ml at 2 to 3 ml/hour) infused through a catheter for 2 hours proximal to the anastomosis resulted in flow in all 10 animals during the infusion. Blood was also taken before beginning the procedure (control) and after the heparin infusion distal to the anastomosis (local partial thromboplastin time) as well as in the contralateral femoral vein (systemic). The control for all animals that received heparin was <3 minutes. The systemic partial thromboplastin time after heparin infusion was <3 minutes in seven animals, 3.3 minutes in two animals, and >7 minutes in one animal. The local partial thromboplastin time distal to the inverted vein graft was >10 minutes in nine animals and 3.7 minutes in one animal. The study also had a clinical component, in which a catheter was placed in a vein of the free flap, and heparin was infused over 5 days. This technique has been used in 83 consecutive free flaps. In three recent free flaps performed on the limbs, the local partial thromboplastin time (close to the anastomosis) was raised but the systemic time was normal. This technique offers a method in preventing venous thrombosis in microsurgery. It is simple to implement and is not associated with the systemic complications of heparin.     

Implantable device for intravenous drug delivery in the rat.

The experimental design of studies using small laboratory animals may require repeated venous access for the application of drugs or diagnostics. An appropriate device should provide quick intravenous access without causing severe handling stress to the animals or the necessity of anaesthesia. In addition, the system should be suitable for repeated injections over several weeks. A silicone catheter is connected to an intravenous indwelling cannula with fixation wings. A closure stopper with injection port completes this system. The device is fixed subcutaneously on the back of the animal and the catheter is inserted into the jugular vein. The device is easily and quickly assembled and is more economic than commercial systems. It is easily implanted and allows repeated intravenous injections for several weeks without anaesthesia or restraint of the animals. The method allows repeated intravenous drug delivery over a couple of weeks in small animals.     

Peripherally inserted central venous catheters. Low-risk alternatives for ongoing venous access.

We prospectively evaluated the use of peripherally inserted central venous catheters to provide ongoing venous access in general medical and surgical patients in a Department of Veterans Affairs medical center. Between 1985 and 1988 trained nurses successfully inserted 393 catheters in 460 suitable patients (an 85.4% success rate). Correct catheter tip placement in the superior vena cava was documented in 359 of the 393 (91.3%) catheter insertions, but an additional 30 catheters were in a position deemed adequate for the intended use. The mean duration of catheter use was 27.6 +/- 5.2 (1 standard deviation) days (median 20 days, range 1 to 370 days). A total of 65 patients left the hospital with catheters in place, with the mean length of catheter use at home being 36.2 +/- 6.0 days (range 2 to 266). In all, 79% of the catheters were in use until the successful completion of therapy or patient death; catheter-related complications led to premature catheter removal in the remaining 21%. Catheter-related complications included bland phlebitis (8.2%), occlusion (8.2%), local infection (3.6%), bacteremia or fungemia (2.1%), mechanical failure or rupture (2.6%), venous thrombosis (0.7%), and other (3.3%). One patient required vein excision for the management of suppurative phlebitis, but no deaths were attributed to catheter use. This study illustrates the use and safety of peripherally inserted central venous catheters to provide reliable vascular access over prolonged periods in an elderly veteran population. At our facility, percutaneous central venous catheters and surgically implanted (Hickman or Broviac) catheters are now reserved for use in patients in whom peripherally inserted catheters cannot be placed.     

A rhesus monkey model for continuous infusion of drugs into cerebrospinal fluid

A new rhesus monkey model with two intraventricular catheter systems was developed to examine the pharmacokinetics and neurotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents administered by continuous intraventricular infusion. A lateral ventricular catheter system implanted in the lateral ventricle and attached to a subcutaneous access port on the animal's back is used for infusion of drugs into the ventricle. A Pudenz catheter implanted in the fourth ventricle and connected to a subcutaneous Ommaya reservoir permits repetitive CSF sampling in unanesthetized animals. The model was evaluated in five animals for over 12 months for catheter patency, surgical complications, and utility in studying the pharmacokinetics of continuous intraventricular infusion of methotrexate. There were no perioperative complications. Three of the five monkeys maintained both systems successfully. The other two animals developed staphylococcal ventriculitis, one at 7 days as a result of manipulation of the incision by the animal leading to cellulitis around the catheter site and subsequent ventriculitis, the other at 5 months. Both animals were treated successfully with antibiotics and catheter removal. An infusion of 0.05 mg of methotrexate over 24 hours maintained ventricular drug concentrations of 1 mol/L without evidence of neurotoxicity. This new model has applications both for the development of continuous intraventricular infusion as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of meningeal cancers in humans and as a research tool to study the distribution and elimination of drugs from the CSF.     

Central venous catheters for chemotherapy of solid tumors--our results in the last 5 years

Central venous catheters provide an easy access for intravenous medications. Having a central line in place will relieve a child from the discomfort and danger of multiple regular intravenous lines for chemotherapy. The use of indwelling central venous catheters has become commonplace in the management of children undergoing oncological treatment. There are two types of central lines commonly used. There are Broviac catheters and Port-A-Cath (PAC) catheters. In the last 5 years we inserted 194 catheters in 175 children. We inserted 121 Broviac catheters and 73 PAC catheters. During the follow up of 39382 catheter days 44 complications were observed. In Broviac group the median follow up was 155 days and in PAC group was 230 days. We observed differences in the incidence between two devices. In Broviac group infections were more frequent and in PAC group other complications were more frequent than infections.     

Chronic silastic central venous catheterization for induction, maintenance and support of persistent granulocytopenia in rabbits

In order to investigate new approaches in diagnosis, prevention and treatment of infectious complicating chemotherapy-induced granulocytopenia, we developed and prospectively evaluated a method of chronic central venous catheterization for the induction, maintenance and support of persistent granulocytopenia in rabbits. The method entails a central venous silastic catheter with a subcutaneous tunnel and a heparin lock device for repeated non-traumatic sampling of blood and administration of medications. During the course of 10 months, 226 rabbits were studied. Mean duration of catheter placement was 27 days, 17 of which were spent in granulocytopenia. Two-way flow was sustained throughout the duration of placement in 205 rabbits (91%) and for 5,845 (95%) of a total 6,163 catheter-days. All but two catheters could be flushed throughout the duration of their placement. Postoperative infectious complications related to catheter insertion developed in less than 1% of the rabbits. This method of chronic catheterization safely provides long-term venous access for studies requiring frequent venous access, including the painless induction, maintenance, and support of chronic granulocytopenia in rabbits.     

Recurrent fracture of a recovery inferior vena cava filter with pulmonary migration

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are indicated in patients with venous thromboembolic disease in whom standard anticoagulation therapy is contraindicated or ineffective. A 32-year-old female presented to our hospital with chest pain 5 years after IVC filter placement. Imaging revealed sequential fracturing and embolization of two of the IVC filter arms to the pulmonary arteries. IVC filter fracture and subsequent migration to the lung is a rare complication. Systematic long-term follow-up in patients with IVC filters and, if possible, filter removal should be considered to prevent possible complications.     

Implantable device for drug delivery and blood sampling in the rat

An implantable drug-delivery and venous sampling device is described that is constructed from a polyvinyl chloride catheter and a rubber intravenous catheter plug coated with Silastic. The implant was used for repeated venous sampling and for both administration of parenteral solutions and injections into the right colon of the rat for periods to 1 mo.     

Long-term Carotid Access in the Goat: Observations on Application of a Totally Implantable Catheter System

The investigation of metabolism of individual organs and tissues in vivo requires simultaneous measurements of arterio-venous concentration differences. Long-term metabolic studies require frequent and convenient access to veins and arteries of the relevant organs or tissues, and if blood samples are obtained by repeated veni — or arteriopuncture, difficulties may arise due to vessel thrombosis and an increasing apprehension of the goat during time. Arterial punctures are considered more painful than venipuncture, according to human patients. In the conscious goat, arteriopuncture may induce bleating, dilatation of the pupil, increased heart rate, blood glucose and free fatty acid levels, which may bias the results of a metabolic study (Linzell 1963). Furthermore, it is important to avoid situations which contribute negatively to the welfare of the goat. Establishment of permanent exteriorized carotid loops does not eliminate these problems and has a disadvantage of being vulnerable to injury. Jha et al. (1961) reported that 3 out of 10 goats died from haemorrhages, due to loop injury. The carotid artery may surgically be relocated to a subcutaneous position, which makes it less vulnerable, but also less accessible for percutaneous puncture (Tavenor 1969). Our experience with such subcutaneous relocated artery loops is that scar tissue formation is so strong after being catheterized 3-4 times, that further catheterization requires specialized assistance. The artery is eventually closed by fibrous tissue. An alternative to the repeated percutaneous puncture of subcutaneously relocated artery loops is the establishment of chronic indwelling arterial catheters, where the tip of the catheter is exteriorized to the skin. This method is well described (Huntington et al. 1989), but requires a dressing of the exteriorisation site, and restrain of the goat, in order to protect the tip from being pulled out. Therefore, we describe a modification of a totally implantable catheter system, developed for human intra-arterial long-term delivery of drugs, for permanent catheterization of the common carotid artery of goats. The entire access system of this catheter is under the skin.     

Ethanol Causes Protein Precipitation—New Safety Issues for Catheter Locking Techniques

Objective

The ethanol lock technique has shown great potential to eradicate organisms in biofilms and to treat or prevent central venous catheter related infections. Following instillation of ethanol lock solution, however, the inherent density gradient between blood and ethanol causes gravity induced seepage of ethanol out of the catheter and blood influx into the catheter. Plasma proteins so are exposed to highly concentrated ethanol, which is a classic agent for protein precipitation. We aimed to investigate the precipitating effect of ethanol locks on plasma proteins as a possible cause for reported catheter occlusions.

Methods

Plasma samples were exposed in-vitro to ethanol (concentrations ranging from 7 to 70 v/v%) and heparin lock solutions. In catheter studies designed to mimic different in-vivo situations, the catheter tip was placed in a plasma reservoir and the material contained within the catheter was analyzed after ethanol lock instillation. The samples underwent standardized investigation for protein precipitation.

Results

Protein precipitation was observed in plasma samples containing ethanol solutions above a concentration of 28%, as well as in material retrieved from vertically positioned femoral catheters and jugular (subclavian) catheters simulating recumbent or head down tilt body positions. Precipitates could not be re-dissolved by dilution with plasma, urokinase or alteplase. Plasma samples containing heparin lock solutions showed no signs of precipitation.

Conclusions

Our in-vitro results demonstrate that ethanol locks may be associated with plasma protein precipitation in central venous catheters. This phenomenon could be related to occlusion of vascular access devices locked with ethanol, as has been reported. Concerns should be raised regarding possible complications upon injection or spontaneous gravity induced leakage of such irreversibly precipitated protein particles into the systemic circulation. We suggest limiting the maximum advisable concentration of ethanol to 28 v/v% in catheter lock solutions.