Port catheters: Indications, complications and quality of life

Abstract

Port catheters are very critical component in the care of patients with chronic diseases such as cancer that require frequent hospitalization and venous access. Because port catheters can be used for biochemical analysis of blood, administration of chemotherapeutic agents, transfusion of blood and blood products, fluid and antibiotic support, and total parenteral nutrition. Port catheters can be placed safely and easily under ultrasound guidance. Port catheters, whose early or late complications are rarely seen, provide a significant improvement in the quality of life of patients compared to other venous access catheters.