Intravenous access devices for supportive care of patients with cancer.

: Reliable long-term venous access is crucial as a pathway for the delivery of many current chemotherapeutic agents, as well as for the supportive measures needed to sustain patients during their recovery from the toxic effects of these drugs. Many access devices are now available, but all carry the risk of infection, thrombosis, and complications related to their insertion. Recent advances in technology and the use of antibiotics and anticoagulants offer the opportunity to reduce the rate of many of these complications.