Port catheter related thrombosis

Many chemo therapeutic substances require the insertion of a tunneled or sub-cutaneous placed venous device such as a port catheter. Unfortunately, these devices are associated with an extremely high risk of thrombosis in the port catheter leading vein or upper extremities. The risk of pulmonary embolism typically occurs in about 20 % of patients. Many types of cancer significantly increase the baseline risk for vascular-occlusive complications especially during administration of chemotherapy via port catheter systems.

The assessment of the individual thrombotic risk before placement of port catheter systems is recommended primarily for clarification of the dosage and the indication of long-term thrombosis prophylaxis. Upon the occurrence of a port catheter thrombosis diagnosis removal of the port catheter is generally not recommended instead these cases may be left unless chemotherapy is terminated after sufficient therapeutic anticoagulant treatment in terms of dosage and choice of substance is given.

However, a special feature of the Port-promoting thrombosis is also the fact that conventional anticoagulant medications and dosages cannot prevent thrombosis in carriers.

Patients with a port catheter device may want to have a consultation for the assessment of individual thrombosis risk and for suitable anticoagulant treatment as well as monitoring during administration of chemotherapy.