Current Status of Interval of Heparin Flushing for Maintenance of an Implanted Port in Solid Tumor Patients
Year: 2014
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Purpose: Little is known about appropriate interval periods between the heparin flushing of implanted ports after completion of chemotherapy. The purpose of this study was to describe the current status of interval of heparin flushing for maintenance of an implanted port in solid tumor patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all patients who had undergone implanted port removal in 2012 at the Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. The subjects were 90 patients who, after completion of chemotherapy, retained their ports for extended periods of time. Results: The mean number of flushes of heparin was 4. Compliance with visits for implanted port maintenance varied with the individual, and the mean accession times were in the range between 13 days and 243 days. The overall mean time between flushes was 66 days. One patient showed resistance during flushing. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that extending the flushing interval to a maximum of 8 weeks remains medically safe. Less frequent heparin flushing of an implanted port decreases medical expenditure and the workload of medical professionals; it also improves the patient's satisfaction.
Authors: Hye Kyung Kim, So Eun Choi, Jung Hoon Lee, Eun Sook We, Hye Jin Joh, Kwang Sung Kim
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2011699712