Can Trapezius Ports be Used as an Alternative Site to Chest Ports?

A new study found the long-term results of and patient satisfaction with trapezius ports in breast cancer patients is associated with high overall patient satisfaction, providing a safe and feasible alternative site to chest ports. The results were published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology.

In this retrospective study, data from female patients (mean age of 54 ± 9.9 years [range, 29–76 years] who underwent trapezius port placement from December 2007 to January 2017 were collected.

Trapezius implantation was utilized for bilateral breast surgery or unilateral breast surgery and contralateral breast involvement. Long-term follow-up was carried out for 68 out of the 70 patients. Overall satisfaction and impact on quality of life was assessed through a retrospective questionnaire-based survey.

Trapezius implantation were technically successful in all patients. Total catheter service time for 68 patients was 65,952 days with 2 patients lost to follow-up, and mean catheter service time was 969.8 days (range 7–3,458 days; median 570 days; 95% confidence interval, 739–1199; standard deviation, 947.7).

Four patients (5.9%) developed port complications including port infection in 2 patients (0.03/1,000 days); skin dehiscence in 1 patient (0.02/1,000 days); and port malfunction in 1 patient (0.02/1,000 days). The overall infection rate was 2.9% (2/68).

During a phone call interview, all patients (n = 44) or a close relative of them (n = 17) reported satisfaction regarding their ports.

The authors concluded that trapezius ports provide “a safe and feasible option to patients with breast cancer who need an alternative site to chest ports.”

--Kelsey Moroz

Reference:

Erhan Çil B, Öcal O, Eldem FG, et al. Trapezius port placement in patients with breast cancer: long-term follow-up and quality-of-life assessment. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2018; Epub ahead of print. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvir.2018.08.011.