The Trapezius Port: A Novel Approach for Port Access

Abstract

Placement of long-term central venous access in breast cancer patients who have undergone bilateral mastectomy presents a unique challenge. The standard anterior chest wall placement of the port may be compromised by factors such as a fresh surgical site, the possibility of postoperative radiation therapy, or the immediate reconstruction field. To avoid the potential for complications that impact the surgical field or subsequent therapy, we have developed a unique new technique for central venous port placement: the trapezius port. By placing the port in a subcutaneous pocket over the trapezius muscle, the risk of infection or cross-contamination of the surgical site is avoided.