Comparison between Saline Solution Containing Heparin versus Saline Solution in the Lock of Totally Implantable Catheters

Background There are only 3 studies comparing the efficacy of 2 different types of lock used in totally implantable catheters regarding occlusion or reflux dysfunction. The present study contains the largest published casuistry (862 patients) and is the only one that analyzes 3 parameters: occlusion, reflux dysfunction, and flow dysfunction. Methods This was a retrospective study of patients operated at a large oncology center and followed up in the outpatient clinic between 2007 and 2015. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the type of lock: the Hep group (heparine), whose lock was composed of saline solution 0.9% with heparin (100 IU/mL) and the SS group (saline solution), whose lock was composed of saline solution 0.9%. Results The Hep group was composed of 270 patients (31%) and the SS group of 592 patients (69%). Regarding occlusion, there were 8 cases in the Hep group (2.96%) and 8 in the SS group (1.35%; P = 0.11); in relation to reflux dysfunction, there were 8 cases in the Hep group (2.96%) and 8 in the SS group (1.35%; P = 0.11); in relation to flow dysfunction, there was 1 case in the Hep group (0.37%) and 4 cases in the SS group (0.68%; P = 1). Conclusions There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding occlusion, reflux dysfunction, and flow dysfunction.