A comparative analysis of infection and complication rates between single- and double-lumen ports

OBJECTIVE

Port-a-caths are implanted intravascular chest ports that enable venous access. With more port placements performed by interventional radiologists, it is important to discern differences in infection and complication rates between double- and single-lumen ports.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 1,385 port placements over 2 years at the University of Miami. Patients were grouped by single- or double-lumen ports. Data on duration of catheter stay, bloodstream infections, malfunctions, and other complications (fibrin sheath, thrombosis, catheter malposition) were collected. Multivariate Cox regression was performed to identify variables predicting port infection.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 58.8 years; the mean BMI was 26.9 kg/m2; and 61.5% of these patients were female. Our search revealed 791 double-lumen ports (57.1%) and 594 single-lumen ports (42.9%). The median follow-up was 668 days (range, 2-1,297). Double-lumen ports were associated with significantly higher rates of bacteremia (2.78% vs 0.84%; P = .02), port malfunction (8.3% vs 2.0%; P < .001), fibrin sheath formation (2.2% vs 0.5%; P < .02), catheter tip malposition (1.0% vs 0; P = .01), and catheter-associated thrombosis (1.4% vs 0; P = .003). Multivariate Cox regression analysis, after adjusting for other variables, showed that double-lumen chest ports had 2.98 times (95% confidence interval, 1.12-7.94) the hazard rate of single-lumen ports for developing bloodstream infection (P = .029).

CONCLUSIONS

Double-lumen chest ports are associated with increased risk for bloodstream infection, malfunction, fibrin sheath formation, catheter tip malposition, and catheter-associated thrombosis. Interventional radiologists may consider placing single-lumen ports if clinically feasible; however, future studies are needed to determine clinical significance. The study limitations included the retrospective study design and the potential loss of patient follow-up.

The development, commercialization, and clinical context of yttrium-90 radiolabeled resin and glass microspheres

Selective internal radiation therapy has emerged as a well-accepted therapeutic for primary and metastatic hepatic malignancies. This therapeutic modality requires the combined efforts of multiple medical disciplines to ensure the safe delivery of yttrium-90 (90Y)-labeled microspheres. The development of this therapy followed decades of clinical research involving tumor vascularity and microsphere development. Today, it is essential that treating physicians have a thorough understanding of hepatic tumor vascularity and 90Y microsphere characteristics before undertaking this complex intervention. This review explores the contributions of early investigators of this therapy, as well as the development, US Food and Drug Administration approval, manufacturing process, and attributes of the 2 commercially available 90Y radiolabeled microsphere device to clarify the key physical differences between the products.

The P.F.C. sigma RP-F TKA designed for improved performance: a matched-pair study

The press fit condylar P.F.C. Sigma RP-F (rotating-platform, high flexion) knee is designed to provide a range of motion (ROM) of 155 degrees without compromising wear, polyethylene contact stresses, patellofemoral tracking, or stability. The first 50 TKA surgeries using the Sigma RP-F knee performed at the author's institution were matched to 50 rotating-platform knees for age, sex, body mass index, preoperative diagnosis, duration of follow-up, and preoperative ROM to determine the effect of design on postoperative ROM. The mean increase in active ROM in the Sigma RP-F group was 17 degrees, compared with 6 degrees in the rotating-platform group (P =.0011). The mean increase in active ROM in patients who had less than 120 degrees of preoperative motion was 27 degrees in the Sigma RP-F group, compared with 16 degrees in the rotating-platform group (P = .006). With the new P.F.C. Sigma RP-F design, greater ROM can be achieved independent of preoperative ROM.