Efficacy and Safety in the Implantation of Totally Implantable Venous Access Devices by Anesthesiologists: Perspectives From a Retrospective Oncology Cohort

Background: Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) are widely used in oncology patients to facilitate central venous access. Although they offer benefits, TIVADs can be associated with complications.

Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study included all oncology patients 18 years or older who underwent TIVAD implantation between September 2015 and October 2019. Data were obtained from clinical records at the National Cancer Institute.

Results: A total of 556 TIVAD implantations were performed in cancer patients throughout the study period. The success rate for the first attempts was 91% (506/556). Infectious complications were documented in six patients (1.1%), while non-infectious complications manifested in less than 1% of cases, with hematoma at the insertion site being the most common. Additionally, catheter thrombosis was identified in three asymptomatic patients (0.5%).

Conclusion: The implantation of TIVADs by anesthesiologists in cancer patients at the National Cancer Institute was predominantly successful and safe, exhibiting a low complication rate. The findings reinforce the efficacy and safety of the employed technique, exceeding the outcomes reported in existing medical literature.