RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Cephalic vein cutdown for totally implantable central venous port in children: a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data JF Canadian Journal of Surgery JO CAN J SURG FD Canadian Medical Association SP 21 OP 25 DO 10.1503/cjs.025512 VO 57 IS 1 A1 Kyu-Hwan Jung A1 Suk-Bae Moon YR 2014 UL http://canjsurg.ca/content/57/1/21.abstract AB Background: The jugular vein cutdown for a totally implantable central venous port (TICVP) has 2 disadvantages: 2 separate incisions are needed and the risk for multiple vein occlusions. We sought to evaluate the feasibility of a cephalic vein (CV) cutdown in children.Methods: We prospectively followed patients who underwent a venous cutdown for implantation of a TICVP between Jan. 1, 2002, and Dec. 31, 2006. For patients younger than 8 months, an external jugular vein cutdown was initially tried without attempting a CV cutdown. For patients older than 8 months, a CV cutdown was tried initially. We recorded information on age, weight, outcome of the CV cutdown and complications.Results: During the study period, 143 patients underwent a venous cutdown for implantation of a TICVP: 25 younger and 118 older than 8 months. The CV cutdown was successful in 73 of 118 trials. The 25th percentile and median body weight for 73 successful cases were 15.4 kg and 28.3 kg, respectively. There was a significant difference in the success rate using the criterion of 15 kg as the cutoff. The overall complication rate was 8.2%.Conclusion: The CV cutdown was an acceptable procedure for TICVP in children. It could be preferentially considered for patients weighing more than 15 kg who require TICVP.