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The K-port concept: Proposal for optimising a fully implantable port system

Department of Surgery, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany

Dimitri Psathakis, MD

Department of Surgery, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany

Ulrich Hirsch, MA

Faculty of Industrial Design at Muthesius College, Kiel, Germany

Hans-Peter Bruch, MD

Department of Surgery, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany

Objective. Typical reasons for the malfunction of implantable central venous catheters involve obstructions caused by blood clots, perforation through the skin, and contamination of the device. The objective of introducing this new port concept is to reduce the incidence of complications by making alterations to the design.

Design. The main characteristics of this new port chamber are its drop-shaped interior, which opens into the catheter-connecting piece rather like a funnel, the lateral position of the puncture membrane, and the exchangeable catheter connection device. As a result, the following improvements with regard to conventional port catheters are feasible.

Results. The puncture is made laterally next to the port chamber in a large, previously unstressed area of skin. The subcutaneous puncture channel can be used for a greater length of time so as to avoid ascending infections. In the event of an occlusion of the catheter, a wire can be pushed through the cannula to clean it. The puncture cannula lies against the skin and can be attached more readily. Various port chamber sizes can be combined with different catheter thicknesses to best meet the individual requirements of the patient.

Current Status. The afore-mentioned port system is still at a conceptional stage of development. There are no data on practical experiences with the K-port, as licensing details have yet to be agreed upon with a manufacturer. We have applied for a patent for this device.

Key Words: Port catheter • complication • design

Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice, Vol. 5, No. 2, 67-74 (1999)
DOI: 10.1177/107815529900500202


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