Use of central venous catheters for prolonged venous access in cancer chemotherapy
Rajoor, B.G.; Charak, B.S.; Banavali, S.D.; Iyer, R.S.; Saikia, T.K.; Gopal, R.; Advani, S.H.
Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 38(5): 340-342
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-5772 PMID: 2387816 Document Number: 365125
A preliminary experience in the use of central venous catheters, including Hickman (15), subclavian jugular (Desseret) (50) and Secalon Hydrocath (3), in cancer chemotherapy is presented. There were no technical complications and no mortality attributable to catheterisation. Infections formed the major complication in Hickman (30%) and subclavian jugular (Desseret) (36%) catheters, while the use of Secalon Hydrocath was event-free. The commonest organism isolated was P aeruginosa (60%), followed by staphylococci (30%). Prolonged venous access was achieved with minimum morbidity. It is concluded that central venous catheters are safe and convenient both for the patient and the treating team, and should be used in all patients undergoing protracted chemotherapy and supportive care.