[Fully implantable catheter systems for arterial extremity infusion].

Twenty totally implanted arterial access systems for drug administration were used in 19 patients with peripheral arterial disease. A total of 458 short-term infusions were administered through the systems. The observation period was maximally 13 months. Infection occurred in one patient (5%), as well as one catheter occlusion and one arterial thrombosis, which was successfully treated by local thrombolysis. Long period usability with low complication rate distinguishes the system from conventional arterial access. Patient's acceptance was excellent.