Original Research
A Dual-Needle Pumping Technique for Unblocking an Obstructed Central Venous Access Port
2017 Volume 2 Issue 3 Pages 59-63
Details
2017 Volume 2 Issue 3 Pages 59-63
PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness and safety of the "dual-needle pumping technique" for central venous access port (CV port) obstruction due to thrombus or fibrin sheath formation.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: For 25 patients who had a CV port obstruction due to thrombus or fibrin sheath formation between 2001 and 2016, we performed the "dual-needle pumping technique." The operator inserted two coreless needles in the port and alternately pumped the plungers of two syringes filled with distilled water or urokinase (UK) solution.
RESULTS: Overall, we achieved recanalization in 22 patients (88%). In 6 patients, success in recanalization was achieved by using distilled water only, while in 2 patients, failure occurred by using distilled water only before changing to the UK solution to achieve recanalization. Success in recanalization was attained in 14 patients by using the UK solution from the beginning. In 3 patients, the CV port system was withdrawn because the obstruction could not be removed. No complications occurred in relation to this procedure.
CONCLUSION: For removing an obstruction in the CV port system, the "dual-needle pumping technique" is a reasonable option to avoid system replacement. Thus, this procedure is considered useful and safe.
