Chronic venous access in the elderly.

The use of chronic venous catheters has become routine in the management of neoplastic disease. If an anticipated result of diagnosis related grouping (DRG) reimbursement to hospitals is earlier patient discharge and reliance on more intensive outpatient management, concern about the safety and maintenance of such catheters in the outpatient elderly will become a more common issue. With careful patient selection and emphasis on catheter care, insertion of these catheters in the elderly is safe and reliable.