Flushing ports of totally implantable venous access devices, and impact of the Huber point needle bevel orientation: experimental tests and numerical computation

shing ports of totally implantable venous access devices, and impact of the Huber point needle bevel orientation: experimental tests and numerical computation Original Research (1757) Total Article Views Authors: Guiffant G, Durussel JJ, Flaud P, Vigier JP, Merckx J Published Date April 2012 Volume 2012:5 Pages 31 - 37 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/MDER.S30029 Received: 18 January 2012 Accepted: 20 February 2012 Published: 17 April 2012 Gérard Guiffant1, Jean Jacques Durussel1, Patrice Flaud1, Jean Pierre Vigier1, Jacques Merckx1,2 1Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France; 2University Teaching Hospital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France Abstract: The use of totally implantable venous access devices developed as a medical device allowing mid- and long-term, frequent, repeated, or continuous injection of therapeutic products, by vascular, cavitary, or perineural access. The effective flushing of these devices is a central element to assure long-lasting use. Our experimental work demonstrates that directing the Huber point needle opening in the diametrically opposite direction of the implantable port exit channel increases the flushing efficiency. These results are consolidated by numerical computations, which support recommendations not only for their maintenance, but also for their use.