Experience of an implantable central venous access system in a district general hospital.

Reliable access to a central vein is increasingly important in the treatment of major acute and chronic disease. The use of an implantable central venous access device in a district general hospital is reviewed. Fifty-four PortaCaths (Kabi Pharmacia, Milton Keynes, UK) were inserted in 51 patients over a 7-year period. Most patients had haematological disease, often with neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. There were a total of 22,515 catheter days experience. Twelve catheters were removed for complications with an overall complication rate of 0.93/1000 catheter days. There were four line infections and four episodes of periport sepsis. Occasional catheter thrombosis was usually cleared with urokinase. Neutropenic and immunocompromised patients had an increased complication rate. PortaCaths were well tolerated by patients and required minimum maintenance. An implantable central venous access device proved safe and reliable for use in a district general hospital.