Patients with malignancy who develop superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction may require stenting to relieve their symptoms. Some of these individuals also have an indwelling chemoport for concomitant chemotherapy. We present a case where stenting was accomplished after catheter-assisted deflection of the chemoport catheter tubing via a single groin access. It can save procedure time whilst salvaging the device.
The PleurX catheter was developed to facilitate long-term intermittent drainage of malignant pleural effusion or ascites. For palliation, it is important that the process of insertion is safe and that this catheter remains complicationfree so as to improve end-of-life quality. We show that this catheter can be safely inserted and discuss methods to reduce infection, which was the most common complication. Our article hopes to enlighten clinicians, patients and their caregivers of this device as a treatment option in palliative patients. Proper case selection and caregiver training are essential in ensuring a successful outcome.