Vascular access options for outpatient cancer therapy.

Knowledge of the abilities and limitations of various access devices can help the surgeon decide which is best matched to an individual cancer patient receiving outpatient therapy. Implanted ports have become the mainstay of long-term treatment. Hickman catheters are useful for long-term nutritional support and pain control when parenteral narcotics are required. Long-arm catheters and central venous catheters can be utilized for short-term therapy. Proper utilization of the various vascular access devices can optimize patient care in a cost-effective manner.