Onkológia 2/2023

Long-term central venous access devices and quality of life of cancer patients - case reports

Introduction: Long-term central venous access devices (CVADs) are currently widely used in the management of cancer patients, primarily for intravenous administration of systemic cancer treatment, parenteral nutrition and hydration in palliative care. In addition, CVADs are used for regular blood draws and reduce the stress of cancer patients from repeated venipunctures and cannulations. Case: The presented publication presents case reports of two patients treated in the National Cancer Institute, in whom long-term CVAD (PICC in case report 1 and PICC-port in case report 2) considerably helped in oncological management and could also lead to an improvement in their quality of life. Conclusion: When correctly indicated, inserted, used and dressed, the long-term CVAD can be a means of improving the quality of life of the cancer patient. Through the mentioned case reports, we would like to point out the importance of long-term CVADs in oncological management and their value for the quality of life of cancer patients.

Keywords: central venous access, cancer patient, PICC, PICC-port, quality of life