A Monocentric Analysis of Implantable Ports in Cancer Treatment: Five-Year Efficacy and Safety Evaluation

Simple Summary This research investigates the effectiveness and safety of totally implantable vascular access devices (TIVADs) used for delivering treatments such as chemotherapy. Over a five-year period, 70 patients received TIVADs through a standardized surgical method under local anesthesia. The study found very low complication rates, with only two notable incidents: one device needed adjustment due to a flipped catheter, and one infection occurred after over three years of use. The procedural success rate was 100%, with devices typically lasting around 22 months, and some even up to five years. These findings suggest that TIVADs are a reliable and safe option for long-term venous access, significantly benefiting routine clinical practices.Abstract Background: Daily clinical practice requires repeated and prolonged venous access for delivering chemotherapy, antibiotics, antivirals, parenteral nutrition, or blood transfusions. This study aimed to investigate the performance and the safety of totally implantable vascular access devices (TIVADs) over a 5-year follow-up period through a standardized well-trained surgical technique and patient management under local anesthesia. Methods: In a retrospective, observational, and monocentric study, 70 patients receiving POLYSITE (R) TIVADs for chemotherapy were included. The safety endpoints focused on the rate of perioperative, short-term, and long-term complications. The performance endpoints included vein identification for device insertion and procedural success rate. Results: The study demonstrated no perioperative or short-term complications related to the TIVADs. One (1.4%) complication related to device manipulation was identified as catheter flipping, which led to catheter adjustment 56 days post-placement. Moreover, one (1.4%) infection due to usage conditions was observed, leading to TIVAD removal 3 years and 4 months post-surgery. Catheter placement occurred in cephalic veins (71.4%), subclavian veins (20%), and internal jugular veins (8.6%). The procedural success rate was 100%. Overall, the implantable ports typically remained in place for an average of 22.4 months. Conclusions: This study confirmed the TIVADs' performance and safety, underscored by low complication rates compared to published data, thereby emphasizing its potential and compelling significance for enhancing routine clinical practice using a standardized well-trained surgical technique and patient management.