Exploring factors associated with failure of totally implanted vascular access devices in a regional and rural health service: a retrospective case–control study

Significant associations were identified between the patient's primary diagnosis and suboptimal TIVAD insertion. Specifically, a prior diagnosis of breast cancer was associated with a decreased probability of optimal TIVAD tip placement (OR=0.236 (95% CI 0.058 to 0.960), p=0.044). A statistically significant association between TIVAD failure and the log of the heparinised saline flush rate and rate of undocumented flushes was also established. Further research is needed to identify and assess whether modification of these variables improves initial totally implantable venous access ports placement and risk of subsequent failure.