A retrospective observational study on maintenance and complications of totally implantable venous access ports in 563 patients: Prolonged versus short flushing intervals.

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether the extension of the flushing interval will increase risks of complications associated with totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) in the off-treatment period.

METHODS

A retrospective single-center observational study was performed. Patients with a TIVAP in the off-treatment period that underwent regular flushing in our clinic were included. Data concerning patients and their TIVAPs were recorded. Patient baseline characteristics and TIVAP-related complications were analyzed. Continuous variables were analyzed by ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis H test. To compare the occurrence of TIVAP-related complications, the chi-square test was used; if needed, Fisher's exact test was used.

RESULTS

Totally 607 patients were reviewed, and 563 patients were finally included. Thirteen complications were recorded, including 11 cases of catheter occlusion (1.95%), one case of port cannula rotation (0.18%), and one case of catheter tip malposition (0.18%). No device-related infection or venous thrombosis was recorded. Among these patients, the average flushing interval was 35.27 ± 13.09 days. Patients were divided into three groups according to the flushing interval: every 28 days or less (Group 1, n = 133); every 29-44 days (Group 2, n = 350); and every 45 days or more (Group 3, n = 80). No significant difference in catheter-related complications was found among the three groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In the TIVAP off-treatment period, patients without any history of TIVAP-related complications during approximately one year can attempt to prolong the flushing interval to more than 4 weeks; we further suggest that 5-6 weeks may be an appropriate option for these patients.