J Infus Nurs. 2026 Jul-Aug 01;49(4):238-248. doi: 10.1097/NAN.0000000000000652. Epub 2026 Apr 28.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study compared the clinical characteristics of catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) associated with internal jugular and subclavian vein-implanted ports.
METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled patients who were newly implanted with a vascular access port between January and December 2022. Relevant patient and clinical information, including demographic data, catheter details, and CRT results, were mainly obtained from the hospital's electronic medical record database. Follow-up was conducted until the time of the patient's first occurrence of thrombus at the infusion port or the last vascular color Doppler ultrasound available for patients without thrombus up to the study deadline (December 2024).
RESULTS: Among 647 patients who underwent B-ultrasound examinations due to different reasons, such as discomfort symptoms, catheter dysfunction, and pre-extubation thrombus screening, 277 patients (42.8%) experienced CRT, and the median time to thrombosis was 14 (12, 16) months. It was most frequently located at the entrance of the catheterized vein (36.6%). Breast cancer and internal jugular vein catheterization were risk factors for CRT. After pairwise comparisons, there was a significant difference in the median time (4 [2, 7] vs 5 [3, 10] months) between the early onset thrombus (hypoechoic), and older thrombi (hyperechoic signal) (adjusted P = .021).
CONCLUSION: For cancer patients who undergo ultrasound examinations for various reasons, the risk of CRT is relatively high. More attention should be paid to patients with breast cancer and with internal jugular vein implantation around 14 months after catheterization.
PMID:42384904 | DOI:10.1097/NAN.0000000000000652