STUDY OF ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF TOTALLY IMPLANTABLE VENOUS ACCESS DEVICE

Abstract

Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVAD) or implantable catheter ports are devices which can be implanted subcutaneously. They enable prolonged and repeated access to the vascular system, into the peritoneal cavity or intravertebral space. This device is particularly useful for repeated medical injection, for blood sampling or transfusion of blood and blood derivatives and for total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Although many patients benefit from the insertion of TIVAD without any secondary effects, any surgical implantation can nevertheless lead to complications. ‎In this study, we investigated the advantages and disadvantages of TIVAD catheter in pediatric age group. A total of 94 cases, 2 to 14 years old, were included in our study. We implanted TIVAD in these patients for chemotherapy in 83 cases (88.29%), for prolonged TPN in 6 cases (6.38%), for corticosteroid and antibiotic therapy after ‎Kasai operation in 2 cases (2.12%), for intermittent IV therapy in 2 cases (2.12%) and for need to partial parenteral nutrition in 1 case (1.06%). Out of 94 cases, 14 cases (15%) had some kind of complications and 80 cases (85%) had no complication. There was no mortality. Most patients and their parents (82 cases, 87.23%) were satisfied from TIVAD. ‎It seems that TIVAD can be a useful device for many chronic patients who need an IV access for multiple injections.