The use of an indwelling subcutaneous central venous catheter for the support of leukaemia patients

An indwelling subcutaneous central venous catheter modified from Broviacs hyperalimentation catheter was used for venous access in 25 patients with haematological malignancies, between February 1978 and January 1979. The catheter, inserted for a duration of 5-201 d (mean 77), provided a suitable means for the infusion of drugs and blood products, as well as the drawing of frequent blood specimens. Ten septicaemia episodes occurred in the 25 patients, mainly during periods of neutropenia (1 × 10 9 /l). The incidence of these and other infective processes seems consistent with such episodes in other neutropenic leukaemic patients undergoing remission induction therapy. The catheter and its mode of insertion will be briefly described. Despite its apparent advantages (support in situations of inadequate peripheral veins, reduced physical and psychological trauma secondary to frequent venepunctures and the infusion of irritating agents, etc.) its use, not previously described in this group of patients should be further evaluated before general recommendation.