Galliano et al: Subcutaneous vascular access port implantation in the axillary or femoral/external iliac vein at the time of full limb amputation in dogs
Veterinary Surgery 7, 2022

🔍 Key Findings

• SVAPs placed in axillary (aSVAP) or femoral/external iliac veins (fSVAP) during limb amputation remained functional in 92.3% and 100% of cases, respectively.
• Complication rates were lower in aSVAP (23.1%) and fSVAP (0%) compared to jSVAP (47.4%), although not statistically significant (P = .12).
• No catastrophic complications occurred with aSVAP or fSVAP; 2 deaths occurred with jSVAP due to port-related issues.
• Infection-related port removal was needed in 1 aSVAP (7.7%) and 2 jSVAPs (10.5%) — no removals were required in fSVAPs.
• Tip placement of the catheter (e.g., right atrium vs. vena cava) did not correlate with complications (P = .66).
• Shorter surgical time likely with aSVAP/fSVAP as they use the same surgical field as the limb amputation.
• Survival time median was similar across groups (jSVAP: 177 days, aSVAP: 125 days, fSVAP: 122 days).
• SVAP implantation during limb amputation offers a practical and safe alternative to separate jugular placement.