Annals of surgical oncology
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Long-term transcutaneous tunneled central venous catheters are frequently placed in cancer patients, accounting for significant costs and morbidity. Factors influencing outcome, though, are poorly studied. ⋯ Transcutaneous tunneled central venous lines can be placed safely, with a considerable incidence of subsequent device-specific complications, but a high salvage rate. Factors determining outcome are related to device placement, as well as the patient's disease status. In this study, patients alive 90 days after catheter placement had a 37% chance for a device complication, with a 20% chance for device loss. Future analyses of intermediate-term intravenous access should employ the measurement of device-specific outcome as a reference parameter to assess clinical results.