Implantation technique and complications of totally implanted arterial access systems for long-term therapy in patients with occlusive vascular disease.

Twenty-six totally implantable catheter systems for intra-arterial infusions were used in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease. A total of 606 short-term infusions were administered via the system. The patients were observed up to 22 months. There was an over-all rate of complications in 15.3%. The complications described were: one catheter occlusion, one dislocation, one case of local infection and one case of arterial thrombosis. The latter was successfully treated with local lysis therapy. The system is distinguished from conventional methods of arterial access by its long-term use and the low incidence of complications. The system was extremely well accepted by the patients.