International Journal of Hematology and Oncology 2024, Vol 34, Num 3 Page(s): 141-147
TOTALLY IMPLANTABLE CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER USE IN PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY

CANAN AKYÜZ1, NİLGÜN YARİŞ1, MEHMET EMİN ŞENOCAK 1, TEZER KUTLUK 1, MÜNEVVER BÜYÜKPAMUKÇU1

Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine Department of Pediatric Oncology

Keywords: venous access devices, totally implantable catheter, catheter complications, cancer, childhood
Chronic central venous catheters provide extended venous access for cancer patients. We reviewed our experience with this devices. Thirty totally implantable venous catheters were placed in 29 patients (median age: 2 year). System was rinsed and flushed after every use or every four weeks even if the catheter was not used. The cumulative duration of implantation 9270 days (median: 270 days). The complication rate was 0.18/100 catheters days. The incidence of occlusion of the catheter was 0.10/100 days, infection 0.05/100days and of extravasation 0.02/100 days. Reasons for removal of catheter were completion of treatment in 14 catheter (46.7%), death of patients in 7 catheter (23.3%) and complications clue to device in 9 catheter (30%). We reviewed studies on using totally implantable venous catheter in paediatric cancer patients. Our clinical experience confirms that the totally implantable central venous port systems are safe and reliable for access needs in pediatric cancer patients.