A new injection portal for brachially inserted central venous catheter. A multicenter study.

Totally implantable portal systems are widely used for long-term central venous access. A new venous portal system inserted via the brachial veins (P.A.S. Port system, Pharmacia Deltec Inc, U.S.A.) was studied in five centres. From January 1988 through May 1989 61 systems were implanted. Fifty-two patients had malignant diseases. Nine cases had non-malignant disorders. The portals were implanted subcutaneously in the fore-arm and catheterization was done percutaneously (46) or by cutdown-technique (15) under local anesthesia. Catheter tip position was controlled by fluoroscopy or x-ray. The basilic vein (49) and the cephalic vein (12) were used. The total follow-up time for all systems was 323 months. Forty-five systems were still in use at the end of the observation period, six were explanted electively at the end of infusion therapy and six systems were still functioning at the time of the patient's death (at a maximum of 14 months after implantation). Temporary armphlebitis was noticed on the first postoperative week in five patients. Two P.A.S. Port systems were explanted due to infection and one because of skin rupture at the wound. One intact system was removed as it was thought to be leaking because of needle displacement. The P.A.S. Port system is easy and safe to implant with a high success rate and a low complication rate. It is well accepted by patients and nurses. The device should be advantageous in patients unsuitable for standard venous portal systems and offers an excellent alternative system for venous access.