Abstract
Four patients with recurrent breast cancer who had a favorable course after implantation of an indwelling port that enabled rapid contrast agent injection (power port) as well as intravenous therapy for patients with advanced recurrent breast cancer are reported. The power ports were used to conduct contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) examinations and blood collection. Conventional indwelling ports are not pressure-resistant, and accidents injecting contrast agent rapidly via conventional port may therefore occur mix-up of patients. Cognitive education for medical staffs and user's manuals for power ports were developed. Consequently, contrast-enhanced CT tests for breast cancer patients could be performed without adverse events by using power ports. Blood was collected each time anticancer agents were used, but no adverse events were observed other than one case of occlusion that occurred 10 months after implantation. Power ports were well-received by patients, and all patients were able to continue treatment without experiencing fear of blood collection or imaging. Implementation of power ports enables alleviation of suffering in patients with advanced breast cancer for whom securing peripheral blood vessels is difficult. However, sufficient education and creation of manuals within hospitals are necessary, given the risk of mixing the power port with other central venous (CV) ports.
