PURPOSE
This prospective study was done to determine if it is possible to extend the implanted port heparin flushing cycle.
METHODS
Patients enrolled in the study had their port flushed once 8 weeks or more in a tertiary hospital between July 2015 and November 2016. They were observed until they had completed six scheduled flushes or developed any port-related complication. Functional outcomes at heparin flushing were evaluated by using port infection, normal saline injection, blood aspiration and patient's posture during heparin administration.
RESULTS
A total of 24 patients were enrolled and total of 72 cases of heparin flush were observed. The median heparin flushing interval was 95 days. No infection of port or problem with saline injection occurred. But there were 6 cases of initial difficult and 1 case of difficult in blood aspiration. However, there was not any case to get rid of the heparin flush, nor were there any patients noted who were not able to use it.
CONCLUSION
It was confirmed that there was no problem in the status and function of the implanted port, even if the heparin flush cycle was extended to 8 weeks or more.

Citations

• Is it feasible to prolong the flushing interval for totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs)? A systematic review and meta-analysis
  Lei Liu, Junli Liang, Zhanlun Liu, Yinghui Jin, Cuicui Ma, Xiaoyan Zhao, Mingyi Qin, Jinwei Wei, Xinsheng Li, Yanli Xie, Fengxia Liu, Laiyou Li, Jianxin Wang
  International Journal of Clinical Oncology.2025; 30(1): 40.     CrossRef
• Prolonged flushing and locking interval for totally implantable vascular access device: A systematic review and meta-analysis
  Zhao-yu Xiong, Hui-min Zhou, Su-yun Li
  The Journal of Vascular Access.2021; 22(6): 969.     CrossRef