Many individuals must endure the handicap of serious diseases and their associated effects on life quality. Cancer patients in particular often require repeated venipuncture on a long term basis for chemotherapy but also for pain therapy and parenteral nutrition. Multiple blood samples and transfusions or Apheresis (extrakorporale blood cleaning technique for elimination of certain blood components) are are frequent indications as well. Further indications include newer hemodialysis systems (veno-venous), peritoneal dialysis, and arterial circulation access for regional application of anti-neoplastic agents (in specialized centers).

The introduction of subcutaneous implantation of port systems for long-term access to the venous circulation has facilitated many aspects of therapy. An implantable port system allows normal everyday activity and a normal life style similar to that of cardiac pacemaker patients, as well as participation in athletic activities, and even swimming.
The PakuMed company is specialized in the development and manufacture of port systems made of pure titanium, considered to be highly compatible to tissues, and offers a wide variety of assessory products.

Naturally there are many implantable port systems on the market today, each having certain advantages and disadvantages. Experience is required in each to maintain low complication rates.

A good port system must meet the following demands:

• easy handling during implantation
• stable connection mechanism at port chamber/catheter junction
• high flow rate in thin catheters
• secure placement of the puncture needle in the chamber septum
• high tissue compatibility
• easy location of the puncture site

There are differences in size and weight of the port chamber, catheter diameters and materials (e.g. silicone, polyurethane), as well as in connection sites.
Additional applications include arterial circulation access for direct organ perfusion as in patients with inoperable metastasising disease, epidural pain treatment, and alternative access for hemodialysis in patients with peripheral vascular problems.

The implantation is a relatively simple surgical procedure performed under local anaesthesia. With the exception of bacteraemia, coagulopathy, or extremely rare allergies to one of the system components, there are no contraindications for usage.
A low complication rate can only be achieved by a meticulous operative implantation technique, a high-quality system, and good hygienic care of the system beginning immediately after implantation.

TITAN-Port systems offer a relatively simple long-term access to the circulation with distinct life quality advantages for patients receiving extensive therapy.
Port systems can be left in place for several years depending on a complication free course of illness and the circumstances. Generally they are removed under local anaesthesia when no longer needed.

Detailed information is available at the following links to individual products