Preliminary In-vitro Study of Surface Alterations of Subcutaneous Venous Access Ports Exposed to Antineoplastic Drugs and Whole Blood

摘要

Subcutaneous Venous Access Ports (SVAPs) are commonly used during long-term placement for administration of antineoplastic drugs used in chemotherapy. A significant number of complications that can lead to implantation failure have over the years been reported, i.e. thrombosis and infections. These complications subsequently also increases patient suffering and health care costs. The main aim of the present preliminary in-vitro study was to monitor the inner surface alterations/degradations of polyurethane SVAPs exposed to antineoplastic drugs over a prolonged period of time (6 cycles during 18 weeks). The changes in surface structure and topography were analyzed both before and after each exposure to the drugs. Moreover, the degree of blood cluttering of the catheters was evaluated by exposing the outer surface of the drug-exposed catheters to whole blood. The results clearly indicate an association between the observed surface alterations and an increased blood cluttering.