Liver regional continuous chemotherapy: use of femoral or subclavian artery for percutaneous implantation of catheter-port systems.

Aim: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the intraarterial chemotherapy of the liver cancer by an interventional method, catheter-port system.

Methods: Thirty-two catheter-port systems were implanted percutaneously via the femoral artery or subclavian artery. Chemotherapies were performed 0-5 d after the implantation of the catheter-port systems. The mean interval between two sequential chemotherapies was 4 wk. The occurrence of side effects of the implantation was examined clinically.

Results: Implantation of the catheter-port was successful in all patients. Mean patency period was 210 d. One occlusion (3.1%) of the catheter was observed. Displacement of the catheter was observed in one case (3.1%). One patient rated a hematoma in the chest wall as important. Mild hematoma was reported in 8 cases (25%). In 3 of 32 cases (9.4%), mild pain was reported initially, and dysesthesia was reported in seven (21.9%). No patient rated overall discomfort as mild, severe, or important.

Conclusion: Percutaneous placement is feasible and safe for liver regional continuous chemotherapy. Compared with surgical placement, the overall complication rate is comparable or less.