Modified Cephalica Venous Access Port Implantation

As long term totally implantable central venous access (TIVAPS) was increasingly needed in cancer patient, some modified techniques were introduced to improved the outcome and safety of the port implantation. In this modified technique, the prioritization were the safety and stability of catheter and port placement. Catheter was inserted to the cephalic vein in the deltopectoral groove, in which connected to the port pocket implanted in the anteromedial thorax. Connection was done by percutaenous and Seldinger technique by introducing a special trocar to ensure safety. Long term outcome was satisfactorily good by this technique without and major and minor events.

Large studies have proved that TIVAPS was effective for long term venous access with minimal risk of complication. For TIVAPS, clinicians have approach the vena cava through the subclavian, internal jugular vein, or cephalic vein regularly with various technique. The most minimal complication risk was obtained in the access through cephalic vein.In the conventional method of cephalic central venous access approach, the incision was done at clavicular regio, with the high risk of catheter being kinking. To improve the feasibility of the techique, here, the author introduced the modified technique for cephalic vein approach.

Step 1 Preparation The patient was positioned supine with the head tilted to the left. In our procedure, the head was tilted to the left in order to expose the deltopetoral groove. The procedure was done in aseptic condition with iodine tincture and sterile draping. It was carried out under local anesthesia in an operating room. A two-gram of cephazolin was inserted intravenously following the guideline standard in the local hospital.

Step 2 Landmarks There were two landmark incision in this procedure, in which the first one is in deltopectoral groove for catheter insertion and the second is in anteromedial of thorax. The deltopectoral groove is located between the insertio of pectoralis major and deltoid muscle. The cephalic vein passes through the clavipectoral (deltopectoral) triangle to join the axillary vein. Lidocaine without adrenaline was used as a local anesthetic in both incision. The procedure was done without any radiology guidance.

Step 3 Vein identification The first incision was made for the insertion of venous catheter. As long as 2 to 3 cm incision was made in the deltopectoral groove. An incision of 3 mm in length was made on the surface of the vein. The incision was then deepened to the fascia overlying the deltoid and pectoralis muscle. Subcutaneous tissue was positioned by blunt dissection to uncover the cephalic vein. The cephalic vein was identified in the adipose tissue along the deltopectoral groove. Surgical cauterization was used to control bleeding. The proximal and distal end of the vein was secured by tying and a hemostat was applied for traction. A transverse venotomy was made at the center of these 2 sutures.

Step 4 Venous catheter insertion A peel-away sheath was inserted to facilitate the catheter insertion into the venous system. The catheter was inserted into the cephalic vein for approximately 25 centimeters.

Step 5 Port pocket incision The 3-4 cm for second incision was carried out for port pocket, with the position on anteromedial of thorax for chemoport implantation. Trocar was tunneled subcutaenously and advanced to the first incision. Catheter was trimmed and ready to be connected to the reservoir.

Step 6 Port implantation The port was inserted to the port pocket and anchored to two sites of underlying muscle in chest was using permanent monofilament suture. The implanted port was flushed with 10 ml of normal saline and 5 ml of 50 IU/ml heparin.

Step 7 Ensuring position For ensuring the catheter position, plain chest radiograph (posteroanterior view) was done.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects who are planning to receive chemotherapy and need chemoports placement.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unconsented subjects