Risk Factors and Possible Mechanisms of Intravenous Port Catheter Migration

ObjectiveTo identify the risk factors for catheter migration and demonstrate possible mechanisms of this migration.DesignRetrospective study.SettingChang Gung Memorial Hospital, a tertiary medical centre in Taiwan.PatientsPatients who underwent implantation of intravenous ports via the superior vena cava (SVC).InterventionsProcedures involving catheter placement and re-intervention for catheter migration.Main outcome measuresThe anatomic location of the catheter tip was confirmed by plain chest X-rays (postero-anterior view). From these plain radiographs, the distance (in cm) between the carina and catheter tip and the angle (in degrees) between the locking nut and catheter were measured.MethodsA total of 1542 procedures related to intravenous port implantation were retrospectively reviewed but only procedures involving implantation via the SVC were included in the analysis. The study group was composed of 31 interventions because of catheter migration, while the control group consisted of 1475 implantation and re-intervention procedures except those involving catheter migrations.ResultsShallow catheter-tip location (p < 0.0001) and the presence of lung cancer (p = 0.006) were risk factors for catheter migration.ConclusionsShallow catheter-tip location and the presence of lung cancer are risk factors for catheter migration. Strategies that ensure low catheter-tip location and avoid increased thoracic pressure may be useful preventive measures.