Safety of peripherally inserted central venous catheter for outpatients with head and neck cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Vessel punctures for blood tests or phlebitis related to chemotherapy usually cause stress to patients. To alleviate the stress, we use a peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC). This study aimed to clarify the safety of PICC for outpatients with head and neck cancer.
Materials & Methods: We analyzed 9 non-hospitalized head and neck cancer patients who received chemotherapy with PICC and investigated catheter related early and late complications.
Results: Median duration of catheter insertion was 98.6 days. Minor bleeding was the only insertion related complication which was observed in 3 patients. No catheter related blood stream infection was observed.
Conclusion: PICC is a safe device for outpatients with head and neck cancer.