Combined ultrasound and fluoroscopy guided port catheter implantation—High success and low complication rate

Abstract Purpose To evaluate peri-procedural, early and late complications as well as patients’ acceptance of combined ultrasound and fluoroscopy guided radiological port catheter implantation. Materials and methods In a retrospective analysis, all consecutive radiological port catheter implantations ( n  = 299) between August 2002 and December 2004 were analyzed. All implantations were performed in an angio suite under analgosedation and antibiotic prophylaxis. Port insertion was guided by ultrasonographic puncture of the jugular ( n  = 298) or subclavian ( n  = 1) vein and fluoroscopic guidance of catheter placement. All data of the port implantation had been prospectively entered into a database for interventional radiological procedures. To assess long-term results, patients, relatives or primary physicians were interviewed by telephone; additional data were generated from the hospital information system. Patients and/or the relatives were asked about their satisfaction with the port implantion procedure and long-term results. Results The technical success rate was 99% (298/299). There were no major complications according to the grading system of SIR. A total of 23 (0.33 per 1000 catheter days) complications (early ( n  = 4), late ( n  = 19)) were recorded in the follow-period of a total of 72,727 indwelling catheter days. Infectious complications accounted for 0.15, thrombotic for 0.07 and migration for 0.04 complications per 1000 catheter days. Most complications were successfully treated by interventional measures. Twelve port catheters had to be explanted due to complications, mainly because of infection ( n  = 9). Patients’ and relatives’ satisfaction with the port catheter system was very high, even if complications occurred. Conclusion Combined ultrasound and fluoroscopy guided port catheter implantation is a very safe and reliable procedure with low peri-procedural, early and late complication rate. The intervention achieves very high acceptance by the patients and their relatives.