Long-term clinical outcomes of the single-incision technique for implantation of implantable venous access ports via the axillary vein

Purpose: To evaluate long-term clinical outcomes and complications of the single-incision technique for implantation of totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs) via the axillary vein. Materials and methods: A total of 932 TIVAPs were placed in 927 patients between May 2012 and October 2014 using a single-incision technique. Patients included 620 men and 307 women with a mean age of 60.0 years. TIVAPs were placed via the left (n = 475) and right (n = 457) axillary veins after making a single oblique vertical incision and medial side pocket without subcutaneous tunneling. We retrospectively reviewed medical records to evaluate status of the patients and TIVAPs, complications, and reasons for explantation. In patients who still had a TIVAP in place, we calculated the duration of TIVAP use from the cut-off day of November 1, 2015. Results: Clinical follow-up was obtained for a total device service period of 311,069 days with a median indwelling time of 467 days (range: 3-1097 days). A total of 37 (4.0%) complications developed. Early complications (n = 4) were one case each of stenosis of the brachiocephalic vein by tumor growth, thrombosis of axillary vein, intravascular migration, and malfunction depending on patient’s position. Late complications (n = 33) were suspected catheter-related blood stream infection (n = 23), local infection of the pocket (n = 4), symptomatic stenosis and thrombosis of central vein (n = 4), malfunction by fibrin sleeve (n = 1), and intravascular migration (n = 1). Conclusions: A single-incision technique for TIVAP implantation via the axillary vein seems to be safe with a low risk of complication.