Percutaneous implantation of arterial Port-a-cath via trans-subclavin access
Zanon, C.; Grosso, M.; Clara, R.; Chiappino, I.; Mancini, A.; Mussa, A.
Anticancer Research 19(6c): 5667-5671
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-7005 PMID: 10697638 Document Number: 504729
Hepatic artery infusion is the best choice of treatment for colorectal liver metastases, but it could be suggested for other hepatic tumors or locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The need of a laparotomy for the positioning of the arterial catheter has been the limiting factor for the diffusion of regional treatments. 170 patients suffering from primary or secondary liver tumours and pancreatic or bile ducts cancer, underwent the positioning of intra-arterial hepatic part-a-cath by a transcutaneous subclavian access in local anaesthesia. In 163 patients, a catheter was placed into the hepatic artery, 4 into the splenic and 3 into the gastroduodenal artery. The procedure was performed successfully in all patients. We observed 5 aneurysms of the subclavian artery and 9 thrombosis of the hepatic artery. Only in 7 patients was arterial infusion suspended for technical complications. We observed 10.6% of dislocation, but dislodged catheters were always moved again into the hepatic artery. The development of percutaneous techniques of arterial port-a-cath implantation could enlarge the indication of regional chemotherapy.