Incidence of ultrasound-detected asymptomatic long-term central vein catheter-related thrombosis and fibrin sheath in cancer patients.

Background: Most central venous catheter (CVC)-related deep vein thromboses (DVT) are asymptomatic and their incidence and clinical relevance are still under debate. Data on CVC-related fibrin sheaths are scarce. We investigated the incidence of asymptomatic DVT and fibrin sheaths in cancer patients with long-term CVC implantation who underwent Doppler ultrasound surveillance at 1, 6, and 12 months after implantation.

Fractures of totally implantable central venous ports: more than fortuity. A three-year single center experience.

Purpose: Totally implantable venous access devices (Ports) represent the mainstay for infusion therapy in patients undergoing chemotherapy, total parenteral nutrition and/or long-term antibiotic treatment. Amongst mechanical complications, lesions of the catheter wall represent a rare but potentially severe condition. We report our experience with the accidental detection of catheter ruptures in a series of ports removed for complication or for end of use.

The intracavitary ECG method for positioning the tip of central venous catheters: results of an Italian multicenter study.

Purpose: The aim of this multicenter study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and accuracy of the intracavitary ECG method for real-time positioning of the tip of different types of central venous catheters.

Methods: A total of 1444 catheter insertions in adult patients were studied in eight Italian centers (539 ports, 245 PICCs, 325 tunneled CVCs, 335 non-tunneled CVCs). Patients with no visible P wave at the standard baseline ECG were excluded.

Endovascular electrocardiography to guide placement of totally implantable central venous catheters in oncologic patients.

Purpose: Appropriate tip position of totally implantable central venous catheters is essential in order to prevent catheter-related complications, in particular thrombosis. Endovascular electrocardiography is an economic and safe method to guide placement of catheters into the central veins. Although widely utilized, there is still lack of conclusive evidence about its efficacy.