Evaluation and management of vascular access device infections in febrile neutropenic cancer patients

Vascular access devices (VADs) are indispensable tools in the management of cancer patients.1 It is estimated that more than five million central venous catheters (CVCs) are used in the USA every year.2 Of those, one million longterm CVCs (with duration of placement of greater than 30 days) are inserted in cancer patients. Four types of long-term CVCs are used in cancer patients: tunneled CVCs (Hickman/Broviac/Groshong), and implantable ports, non-tunneled subclavian CVC’s, and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs).