HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Possible clot above port site, and CT scan after rads

Lolly · 08-06-2007, 01:51 AM

I don't want to alarm anyone but probably this will alarm you. Just remember what follows is a RARE, REPEAT RARE, complication:

Ports that don't flush, combined with clots, can signal a possible catheter fracture.

I had this complication a few years ago after continual problems getting a blood return, even though the port would infuse. I noticed bruising after an infusion, and went in to have an ultrasound etc.The cause was eventually determined to be at the clavicular junction where the vein in a chest placement passes through the clavicle junction to loop around to the heart. Apparently my physiology is such the passage for the vein is especially narrow and therefore the vein "pinches off". Eventually the wear and tear on the clavicle caused it to break off. This process took about 2 and 1/2 years in my case.

This can be a serious medical condition, so any symptoms of a clot or malfunction in a port line MUST be investigated thoroughly to find the cause and sometimes it takes a very squeaky wheel to get the grease needed to put the wheels in motion.

I had to have an angioplasty-type procedure to retreive the catheter fragment, and then had a port replacement which threaded the catheter through the shoulder vein to bypass the narrow junction in my clavicle.

Again, this is a rare complication but it can happen. Please be satisfied that your concerns are being adressed.

<3 Lolly

08-06-2007, 01:51 AM	#8
Lolly Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Oregon Posts: 1,756	I don't want to alarm anyone but probably this will alarm you. Just remember what follows is a RARE, REPEAT RARE, complication: Ports that don't flush, combined with clots, can signal a possible catheter fracture. I had this complication a few years ago after continual problems getting a blood return, even though the port would infuse. I noticed bruising after an infusion, and went in to have an ultrasound etc.The cause was eventually determined to be at the clavicular junction where the vein in a chest placement passes through the clavicle junction to loop around to the heart. Apparently my physiology is such the passage for the vein is especially narrow and therefore the vein "pinches off". Eventually the wear and tear on the clavicle caused it to break off. This process took about 2 and 1/2 years in my case. This can be a serious medical condition, so any symptoms of a clot or malfunction in a port line MUST be investigated thoroughly to find the cause and sometimes it takes a very squeaky wheel to get the grease needed to put the wheels in motion. I had to have an angioplasty-type procedure to retreive the catheter fragment, and then had a port replacement which threaded the catheter through the shoulder vein to bypass the narrow junction in my clavicle. Again, this is a rare complication but it can happen. Please be satisfied that your concerns are being adressed. <3 Lolly __________________ Sept.'99 - Dx.Stage IIIB, IDC ER/PR-, HER2+++ by IHC, confirmed '04 by FISH. Left MRM, AC x's 4, Taxol x's 4, 33 Rads, finishing Tx May 2000. Jan.'01 - local/regional recurrence, Stage IV. Herceptin/Navelbine weekly till NED August 2001, then maintenance Herceptin. Right Mast. April 2002. Local/Regional recurrence April '04, Herceptin plus/minus chemo until May '07. Gemzar added from Feb.'07-April '07; Tykerb/Abraxane until August '07, back on Herceptin plus Taxotere and Xeloda Sept. '07. Stopped T/X Nov. '07, stopped Herceptin Dec. '07, started Avastin/Taxol/Carboplatin Dec. '07. Progression in chest skin, stopped TAC March '03, started radiation. Herceptin has served as the "Backbone" of my treatment strategy for over 6 years, giving me great quality of life. In 2005, I was privileged to participate in the University of Washington/Seattle HER2 Vaccine Trial.