LONG-TERM CIRCULATORY ACCESS VIA A PERIPHERAL IMPLANTABLE PORT

The use of a novel indwelling central venous catheter system is descri bed which combines the safety of peripheral venous catheter placement with a novel electromagnetic locator device for guidance of the cathet er tip into the correct position. This locator system obviates the nee d for radiological screening or chest radiography for checking cathete r placement. Fifty-one patients were studied prospectively and all wer e successfully cannulated. An infection rate of 0.29 per 1000 catheter -days was seen with a mean system life of 220 (range 15-510) days. The new port has a lower infection rate than other commonly used systems and eliminates complications such as pneumothorax and puncture of majo r arteries.