Catheter-related complications of subcutaneous implantable venous access devices in breast cancer patients

Background/Aim: Totally implanted venous access devices (TIVAD) are increasingly used in the treatment of cancer patients. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of early and late complications resulting from subcutaneous TIVADs in patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Between 2004 and 2009, we reviewed patients with breast cancer who had a TIVAD placed. Early and late complications, as well as risk factors for TIVAD-associated thrombosis were retrospectively assessed. Results: A total of 281 patients were included. Complications occurred in 26% of patients, the majority of which were late complications (21.4%.) The development of TIVAD associated thrombosis was the most frequent late complication (16.4%). In the univariate analysis followed by a multivariate model, risk factors for TIVAD associated thrombosis were not identified. Only within the subgroup of metastatic breast cancer patients an increased risk of TIVAD-associated thrombosis of left compared to right venous access was detected (p=0.015). Conclusion: TIVAD implantation done in a gynecological outpatient setting is feasible and safe.