TIVAD

TIVAD stands for Totally Implantable Venous Access Device, an implanted system designed to provide long-term venous access for repeated infusion therapies. It consists of a small, reservoir-like port placed just under the skin, connected by a catheter to a central vein, typically the superior vena cava. The port is accessed through the skin with a non-coring needle (Huber needle) that seals the silicone septum, allowing administration of medications, collection of blood samples, or parenteral nutrition without repeated peripheral vein cannulation. The device is usually implanted in the chest but can be placed in other sites such as the arm.

Design and placement

The port sits in a subcutaneous pocket, while the catheter is threaded through a vein from the port to a central venous location. Placement is typically performed under local anesthesia by a vascular or general surgeon, radiologist, or interventionalist. Postoperative imaging confirms correct catheter position and port function. The device is intended for long-term use, often months to years, and remains permanently implanted unless removed.

Indications and use

TIVADs are commonly used for patients requiring frequent intravenous therapy, most notably chemotherapy, but also long-term antibiotics, analgesia, blood products, or total parenteral nutrition. They are especially valuable when peripheral access is unreliable or painful.

Maintenance and risks

Routine care includes regular access by trained clinicians, with flushing to maintain patency and minimize infection risk. Complications can include infection, thrombosis, catheter occlusion or fracture, pneumothorax, malposition, or skin or pocket breakdown. Removal is performed when therapy ends or if complications arise.