PORTH-A-CATHS IN BRACHIAL POSITION - MULTIDISCIPLINARY EXPERIENCE AND PATIENT SATISFACTION

The use of implantable ports is very common and important in the treatment of oncological patients. They are a more practical and comfortable way of drawing blood, and give intravenous chemotherapy , blood transfusions and other drugs. Mostly, they are implanted in the subclavian or jugular veins, with the port itself placed in the upper torso. Alternatively it can be placed in the basilic vein , with the port placed in a brachial position. This option has gained popularity among physicians and patients in recent years. We present a multidisciplinary multi institutional study in patient quality of life, satisfaction with the port and practical use of them by health care providers. Approximately, one third of all porth-a-caths in the study were placed in a brachial position, with no significant diferences in complication rates. Evaluating the nursing staff experience , there is a slight preference towards the brachial position , primarily because o s patient positioning and exposure. Quality of Life evaluation was done by a questionnaire delivered to and filled by patients, showed great acceptance , with less limitations to daily activities, and less aesthetic impact. the majority of patients would suggest this approach to future patients. Concluding, brachial port-a-caths in the basilic vein is a feasible and interesting option for patients in oncologic treatment, and might be considered as first line option in institutions in which protocols can be implanted to this regard.

Publication History

Article published online:
23 October 2019