[Implanted subcutaneous venous catheter for prolonged intravenous treatment].

Subcutaneous venous catheter devices were implanted in 104 patients between January 1989 and June 1991. In 90% the implantation was performed under local anesthesia as an ambulatory procedure. In 85% the catheter was implanted for long-term chemotherapy and in 15% for intravenous feeding, antibiotic treatment or dialysis. There were postoperative complications in about 10%, the most frequent being infection of the surgical wound or of the catheter canal. Venous thrombosis, cutaneous necrosis and catheter occlusion were observed in only 5%. The main advantages of the method are its convenience for the patient, ease of installation and low rate of complications. From our experience we conclude that the implanted subcutaneous venous catheter is a simple and effective procedure for prolonged intravenous treatment.