Initial experience with percutaneous placement of the PAS port implantable venous access device.

The authors evaluated a new venous access port designed for peripheral venous insertion in the interventional radiology suite. Forty ports were placed in 40 patients in either the brachial, cephalic, or basilic vein under fluoroscopic guidance. These ports have been used for blood transfusion, blood sampling, parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy, and antibiotic therapy. The ports have been in use for 4,241 consecutive patients days. There have been no clinically apparent venous thrombotic complications and only one device-related infection. The cost and risk of complication are less than those for a surgically placed chest wall port, and the cosmetic result is excellent. This port has had excellent patient, nursing, and clinical acceptance.