Totally implantable venous access system for cyclic administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Utilization of the totally implantable infusion system provides a convenient, cost-effective, and safe administration technique for oncology patients who require cyclic or continuous intravenous medication. In addition, it provides an excellent conduit for blood withdrawal access. The efficacy of this technique abrogates the necessity for periodic replacement of subclavian lines and their associated complications and possibly represents an advantage over percutaneous Broviac and Hickman catheters and the attendant catheter-related sepsis associated with their use. The initial low incidence of complications and absence of catheter thrombosis with this implantable system suggests its superiority over percutaneous silicone catheter devices for bolus drug injection and the continuous infusion of chemotherapeutic agents. Cyclic or continuous infusion of hypertonic dextrose and amino acid solutions (total parenteral nutrition) with this system is being evaluated but cannot yet be recommended as being more advantageous than infusion with an implanted Hickman or Broviac catheter.