Is routine chest X-ray necessary after ultrasound-guided TIVAP insertion through the internal jugular vein?

Karakoç K. G., Cebe T., AkbaŞ A., Yıldız B., Karakoç G.

Cardiovascular journal of Africa, vol.37, no.3, pp.358-364, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 37 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.5830/cvja-2026-027
  • Journal Name: Cardiovascular journal of Africa
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
  • Page Numbers: pp.358-364
  • Keywords: chest X‐ray, internal jugular vein, pneumothorax, totally implantable venous access port, ultrasound‐guided
  • Kütahya Health Sciences University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated routine chest X-ray necessity following ultrasound-guided totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) placement via internal jugular vein. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 97 adults who underwent ultrasound-guided TIVAP placement at a tertiary cardiovascular surgery clinic in Eastern Turkey (December 2023-December 2024). Intraoperative port functionality (blood aspiration/fluid infusion) and postprocedural chest X-ray findings were assessed. Catheter positions were categorised as optimal, suboptimal, or malpositioned. RESULTS: Among 97 patients (56.7% male; mean age 57.4 ± 15.0 years), pneumothorax occurred in one patient (1.0%), requiring intervention. Nineteen patients (19.6%) had suboptimal/malpositioned catheter tips but required no corrective action as port functionality remained intact. Radiographic findings prompted intervention in only one patient (1.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Routine post-procedural chest X-ray identified catheter tip malpositioning in a subset of patients; however, these findings did not alter clinical management in the absence of port dysfunction. Selective imaging in patients with failed port functionality may safely reduce unnecessary radiation exposure and healthcare costs without compromising outcomes.