Flushing ports of totally implantable venous access devices, and impact of the Huber point needle bevel orientation: experimental tests and numerical computation

Abstract

Gérard Guiffant1, Jean Jacques Durussel1, Patrice Flaud1, Jean Pierre Vigier1, Jacques Merckx1,21Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France; 2University Teaching Hospital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, FranceAbstract: The use of totally implantable venous access devices developed as a medical device allowing mid- and long-term, frequent, repeated, or continuous injection of therapeutic products, by vascular, cavitary, or perineural access. The effective flushing of these devices is a central element to assure long-lasting use. Our experimental work demonstrates that directing the Huber point needle opening in the diametrically opposite direction of the implantable port exit channel increases the flushing efficiency. These results are consolidated by numerical computations, which support recommendations not only for their maintenance, but also for their use.Keywords: implantable ports, totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs), flushing, obstruction, prevention