Jagalpathy Jagdish MBBS, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Tricia Kleidon, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Alex Mary Barnacle MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Derek John Roebuck MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To evaluate the technical success and complications of placement of central venous port devices by a pediatric interventional radiology team.

This is a prospective study of procedures performed between October 1999 and March 2005. A suitable vein was punctured using sonographic guidance and fluoroscopy was used to insert a peel-away sheath and then the port device catheter. The remainder of the procedure was performed using standard surgical techniques. Follow up data were obtained from review of case records, laboratory databases and the interventional radiology database.

335 venous ports were placed in 310 children (178 boys, 132 girls). Age at insertion ranged from 4 months to 18 years (mean 5.9 years). The most common indications were chemotherapy and frequent antibiotic courses. The patient’s right internal jugular vein was used for access in 264 procedures (79%). Technical success was achieved in all patients (95% confidence interval 98.9% to 100%). There were no immediate complications such as bleeding, pneumothorax, or air embolism (95% confidence interval 0% to 1.1%). 2 ports (0.6%) were removed less than 30 days after insertion due to early infection. Seven ports (2.1%) required a revision procedure at some point before removal. 127 ports have been removed (end of therapy 62%, infection 15%, late erosion 7%, elective replacement 5%, patient death 2%).

Central venous port devices can be placed in children under radiological guidance with a high success rate, and complication rates equal to or lower than those reported in surgical series.

Jagdish, J, Kleidon, T, Barnacle, A, Roebuck, D, Insertion of Central Venous Port Devices in Children: Results from a Single Interventional Radiology Service.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4407054.html