Computed Tomography (CT) Guided Implantation of a Totally Implantable Venous Access Port (TIVAP) through Subclavian Vein

Totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs) have been proven to be safe and effective and are commonly used in cancer patients. Here, we introduce the entire procedure of CT-guided implantation of a TIVAP through the subclavian vein. A total of 283 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients, including 215 males and 68 females, underwent TIVAP through the right subclavian vein, with an average age of 46.4 years (range 13-74). One patient experienced a failed right subclavian vein puncture but was able to successfully undergo a left subclavian vein puncture guided by ultrasound. The average operation time was 36.2 min (range 20-90 min), and the length of the catheter was 17.1 cm (range 14-21 cm). There were 3 cases of arterial puncture, 1 case of catheter displacement, 2 cases of hemothorax, 2 cases of pneumothorax, 2 cases of thrombosis, and 2 cases of wound infection. The overall complication rate was 5.3% (15/283). The computed tomography (CT)-guided implantation of a totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) via the subclavian vein can, therefore, be considered a safe and reliable technique.