Objectives
To assess whether the extension of the flushing interval will increase risks of complications associated with totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) in the off-treatment period.
Methods
A retrospective single-center observational study was performed. Patients with a TIVAP in the off-treatment period that underwent regular flushing in our clinic were included. Data concerning patients and their TIVAPs were recorded. Patient baseline characteristics and TIVAP-related complications were analyzed. Continuous variables were analyzed by ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis
H
test. To compare the occurrence of TIVAP-related complications, the chi-square test was used; if needed, Fisher’s exact test was used.
Results
Totally 607 patients were reviewed, and 563 patients were finally included. Thirteen complications were recorded, including 11 cases of catheter occlusion (1.95%), one case of port cannula rotation (0.18%), and one case of catheter tip malposition (0.18%). No device-related infection or venous thrombosis was recorded. Among these patients, the average flushing interval was 35.27 ± 13.09 days. Patients were divided into three groups according to the flushing interval: every 28 days or less (Group 1,
n
= 133); every 29–44 days (Group 2,
n
= 350); and every 45 days or more (Group 3,
n
= 80). No significant difference in catheter-related complications was found among the three groups (
P
> 0.05).
Conclusions
In the TIVAP off-treatment period, patients without any history of TIVAP-related complications during approximately one year can attempt to prolong the flushing interval to more than 4 weeks; we further suggest that 5–6 weeks may be an appropriate option for these patients.