Exploring factors associated with failure of totally implanted vascular access devices in a regional and rural health service: a retrospective case–control study

Abstract

Background The assessment and management of totally implanted vascular access devices (TIVAD) prior to the administration of medications/fluids are vital to ensuring the risk of harm is mitigated. While numerous guidelines exist for the insertion and management of TIVAD, the level of evidence and external validity to support these guidelines is lacking.Objectives The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with suboptimal TIVAD placement and with failure of TIVAD.Methods A retrospective case–control study (n=80) was conducted at a regional hospital and health service in Australia. Binomial logistic regression analysis was performed using a backward selection approach to establish variables associated suboptimal TIVAD placement and with TIVAD failure.Findings Significant associations were identified between the patient’s primary diagnosis and suboptimal TIVAD insertion. Specifically, a prior diagnosis of breast cancer was associated with a decreased probability of optimal TIVAD tip placement (OR=0.236 (95% CI 0.058 to 0.960), p=0.044). A statistically significant association between TIVAD failure and the log of the heparinised saline flush rate and rate of undocumented flushes was also established. Further research is needed to identify and assess whether modification of these variables improves initial totally implantable venous access ports placement and risk of subsequent failure.