Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Use of vascular access ports in femoral veins of dogs and cats with cancer.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 2007
- Authors:
- Cahalane, Alane Kosanovich et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
Plain-English summary
This study looked at how well vascular access ports (VAPs), which are devices that allow easy access to veins, worked in the femoral veins of dogs and cats receiving treatment for cancer. Over a year, they implanted VAPs in three dogs and six cats, using them mainly for taking blood samples and giving medications. On average, the VAPs worked well for about 147 days for infusions and 117 days for drawing blood, with very few signs of discomfort noted. While there were some complications, like blockages and a possible infection, most pet owners were happy with the use of VAPs. Overall, the study suggests that using VAPs in these pets is a good option for long-term treatment.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long-term function of vascular access ports (VAPs) implanted in the femoral vein of dogs and cats undergoing cancer treatment. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: 3 dogs and 6 cats treated via chemotherapy or radiation. PROCEDURES: VAPs were surgically implanted in the left femoral vein of 3 dogs and 6 cats over a 1-year period. Injection port location was alternated to either a caudal thoracic or ilial location in each patient. Duration of VAP function, ease of infusion, and ease of aspiration through the VAPs were recorded, and associated complications were assessed at each VAP use. Client satisfaction with VAP placement was evaluated by use of a questionnaire. RESULTS: Primary uses of the VAPs included blood sampling and delivering sedative or chemotherapeutic drugs. Median duration of successful infusion was 147 days (range, 60 to 370 days), and median duration of successful aspiration was 117 days (range, 10 to 271 days). The frequency of signs of VAP-related discomfort was low (7% of patient observations). Clients were satisfied with their decision to use VAPs. Complications included partial (n = 7) or complete (2) VAP occlusion, port migration (1), and presumptive infection (1). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that VAP implantation into the femoral vein provides an acceptable means of chronic venous access in dogs and cats undergoing cancer treatment.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17975994/