IR Approaches to Difficult Removals of Totally Implanted Venous Access Port Catheters in Children: A Single-Center Experience

Difficulty removing port catheters in children is uncommon. Port catheters can usually be removed successfully using various IR techniques ranging in invasiveness. There is an association of difficult removal with early age at insertion, ALL diagnosis, and long port dwell time. Awareness of these factors may help physicians inform parents of potential difficulties and plan the removal procedure.