Complications after implantation of subcutaneous central venous ports (PowerPortⓇ)

Abstract

Background: The aim of our study was revised as follows: to clarify the postoperative complications of multifunctional central venous ports and the risk factors for such complications to promote the safe use of the PowerPort system in the hospital.

Methods: The study group comprised 132 patients in whom implantable central venous access ports (PowerPort^Ⓡ) were placed in our hospital from March 2014 through December 2015. The approach used for port placement was the subclavian vein in 43 patients (33%), the internal jugular vein in 87 patients (66%), and the femoral vein in 2 patients (1%).

Results: Postoperative complications occurred in 8 patients (6%). The catheter was removed because of infection in 4 patients and catheter kinking in 1 patient. Port extravasation occurred in 3 patients. No patient had catheter pinch-off. The mean operation time was 74 min (range, 32 to 171). No patients had intraoperative bleeding or pneumothorax. Benign disease was a risk factor for postoperative complications (p = 0.009).

Conclusion: PowerPort is a multifunctional port. Benign disease was a risk factor for postoperative complications. Because many types of subcutaneously implanted ports are used in our hospital, we had to inform the hospital staff about the functions of PowerPort.

Keywords: Implantation central venous access port; Multifunctional port; Power port.

Fig. 1

Appearance of PowerPort. PowerPort is characterized by 3 points at the septum of the insertion site on the front (1a) and back (1b) of the device.

Fig. 2

Chest Radiographic Images.

Fig. 3

Patients with Postoperative Complications 3a. Catheter kinking on a chest radiograph (▲) 3b. Port extravasation during contrast-enhanced CT of the chest (▲▲). The puncture needle was located outside the port and surrounded by air.