Experiences with Ultrasound-Guided Port Implantations via the Lateral Subclavian Vein: A Retrospective Analysis of 1532 Patients

Purpose: Evaluation of the success and complication rates in ultrasound-guided central venous port implantations through the lateral subclavian vein. Materials and Methods: A total of 1537 subcutaneous central venous ports were implanted in 1532 patients. The catheter remained in place for a mean duration of 202 days (overall 309,464 catheter days). A retrospective analysis within the hospital and radiological information system (HIS/RIS) was performed to assess technical success and complication rates. Results: The implantations of the central venous ports were performed by 21 radiologists (19 residents). The technical success rate was 99.0% (1517/1537) and the overall complication rate was 8.5%(130/1537; 0.42 per 1000 catheter days). Procedural and acute complications (<24 h) occurred in 22 of 1532 patients (1.4%). Follow-up revealed 45 port explantations ahead of time due to complications in the early (<30 d) or late (>31 d) post-interventional period (2.9%; 0.15 per 1000 catheter days). Catheter-associated vein thrombosis was the most common complication (n = 60, 3.9%, 0.19 per 1000 catheter days). Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided insertion of central venous port catheters through the lateral subclavian vein provides safe vascular access. Procedural complication rate is low with special regard to post-graduate training. The most common reasons for early port explantations were catheter-associated infections and vessel occlusions.