Radiology, Vol 201, 725-730, Copyright © 1996 by Radiological Society of North America
Long-term outcomes of radiologically placed arm ports
JA Kaufman, H Salamipour, SC Geller, SM Rivitz and AC Waltman
Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA.
PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term outcomes of an initial experience with
radiologic placement of arm ports. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The follow-up of
46 consecutive arm port placements (44 patients) was reviewed by means of
chart review (hospital, office, and clinic) in 41 patients, telephone
interview in 20, physical, examination in 15, and venous ultrasound in 14.
Data on port complications and function were recorded. Statistical methods
were the Fisher Exact Test and Cochran- Mantel-Haenszel Test. RESULTS:
Technical success for placement was 100%. Follow-up was obtained in 41
(93%) of the 44 patients (43 ports); mean days of catheter use was 344 days
(total, 14,797 days; range, 10- 1,104 days; median, 278 days). Rate (per
100 catheter days) of symptomatic central venous thrombosis was 0.054; arm
phlebitis, 0.007; confirmed infection, 0.034; and catheter dysfunction,
0.095. Prophylactic anti-coagulants did not affect symptomatic central
venous thrombosis (P > .05, Fisher Exact Test). Catheter tip high in the
right atrium was marginally associated with better catheter function (P =
.041, Fischer Exact Test). CONCLUSION: Good long-term results can be
anticipated with radiologic placement of arm ports.
