Onkológia S3/2023

Recommendations for the management of central venous access devices in oncologic and hematologic patients in the Slovak Republic

An active approach leading to the protection of patient´s vascular system should be an integral part of personalized medicine. A significant proportion of treatment in oncology, hematology and other parts of medicine is administered intravenously. Effective and safe administration, including e.g. cytostatics (irritants of peripheral veins) but also repeated hemosubstitution or parenteral nutrition, requires an appropriate venous access. Long-term venous access devices represent a standard solution to this requirement; safe and repeated administration of antineoplastic, supportive or other intravenous treatment is allowed. They also serve for blood sampling (access in case of peripheral venous insufficiency) and have positive impact on patient´s quality of life. This article provides a general review of venous access devices, their indications, contraindications or limitations for specific situations, and finally, solutions to some complications. The goal is consensus recommendation for the real clinical practice.

Keywords: long-term venous access, CVC, PICC, CICC, port-a-cath, complications, specific situations