Immediate Versus Delayed Access of Implantable Venous Access Devices: Does the Timing of Access Make a Difference to the Frequency of Complications?

PURPOSE: In many institutions protocols have not been developed as to when implantable venous access devices are accessed in children with cancer. The differences in complication rates (infection, hematoma, mechanical failure, and extravasation) between immediate versus delayed access remain unknown. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study looks at the incidence of complications in two groups of pediatric patients who had an implantable …