Choosing an appropriate implantable device for long-term venous access.

A variety of devices is now available for venous access in patients requiring long-term infusions of chemotherapeutic agents, hyperalimentation solutions, blood products or antibiotics. All have advantages and disadvantages which may make the selection of one type of device appropriate under a given set of circumstances but inappropriate in another. Experience has shown that patients needing intensive therapy for hematologic malignancies are best served by lines that require minimal dissection for insertion, such as the Hickman catheter. Patients who are unlikely to hemorrhage at the time of insertion and who need only intermittent therapy can take advantage of the greater convenience and cosmetic appearance of a totally implantable port. Peripheral vein cannulation by means of fine silicone rubber catheters can be performed by trained intravenous nurses to provide access of intermediate duration without the expense and inconvenience of surgical insertion in an operating room.