Experience with the Port-a-Cath device in children

In a retrospective study (1987-1997) the complications of a totally implant able venous access device (Port-A-Cath, Fa. Pharmacia, Germany) were analys ed in 91 children with 99 implants. All but 2 of these children had maligna nt diseases. Their age ranged from 0.1 to 18.1 (median 6) years. Overall im plant time was 171.2 years (62488 days), averaging 1.63 years (595 days) pe r device. Il complications were registered, i.e. infections (6), occlusions (4) and disconnection (1), resulting in an overall infection rate of 0.06 and a total occlusion rats of 0.04. The overall complication rate was thus 0.11, which compares favourably with other studies. With careful handling, the Port-a-Cath device is very reliable and involves few complications.