Introduction to the discussion and opening: The oncology patient and the importance of the vascular acces

This introductory session will address the complexity of the oncology patient, marked by immunological fragility and the frequent need for vascular access for treatments like chemotherapy and transfusions. It will discuss the high prevalence of complications, such as infections and thrombosis, and how vascular access has transformed the continuity and quality of oncology treatments. The essential role of specialized nursing in managing vascular access will also be highlighted, emphasizing the key competencies required for proper insertion, care, and maintenance of these devices.

Selection and management of central venous access devices in oncology patients: 

CVADs have an essential role in oncology: they improve the quality of patient care, allow optimal efficacy of treatment, and enhance patients’ quality of life. Nevertheless, the choice of the most appropriate device, logistics of device insertion, and the proper timing of device removal are of vital relevance. Promoting inter-disciplinary cooperation, evidence-based protocols, and patient-centric care will aid healthcare teams to safely maximize the utilization of CVADs in oncology.

Transforming vascular access in oncology: the PICC-PORT revolution

This session will explore the impact of the PICC-PORT in oncology, highlighting its evolution as a hybrid device and its transformative role in vascular access. It will address the benefits for both patients—offering greater comfort, safety, and quality of life—and healthcare professionals, through improved efficiency and reduced complications. The talk will also examine the clinical criteria that support its position as a first-line choice, backed by international consensus, and reflect on future challenges and opportunities in its clinical, educational, and technological implementation.

Best practices for implantable port care and maintenance: Position of the GIVAF

This session will adress the GIFAV (French-speaking Interdisciplinary Group for Vascular Access) position for implanted port Care and maintenance in oncology, regarding to the latest publication.

Total parenteral nutrition in the oncology patient: challenges and solutions in vascular access

This paper will address the impact of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in oncology patients, with a particular focus on vascular access. It will discuss how the prolonged need for vascular access to administer TPN influences the choice of device. Furthermore, it will highlight how proper management of these accesses improves the patient’s quality of life, and how a personalised approach to their management contributes to safer and more effective treatments.

Safety Protocols in Infusion and Cytostatic Administration: Ensuring Best Practices for Patient and Healthcare Professional Protection and Effective Treatment

Safety is of paramount importance when applying cytotoxic substances. On the one hand, it is important to protect patients from serious skin damage caused by extravasation. On the other hand, cytotoxic substances are often hazardous medicinal products (HMPs) whose carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic properties require effective protection for healthcare professionals. The use of closed-system transfer devices plays a key role in this regard.

Optimization of vascular access in oncology: The key role of tunneling

Tunnelling represents one of the major innovations in vascular access technique of insertion over the last few years, and it is for sure an important option that every VA specialist should know. In fact, tunnelling allows a safer exit site (for external catheter), reducing infection, thrombotic and dislodgment risks. Also, in patients with totally implantable devices (ports), tunnelling allows a safe and convenient port site in terms of both the comfort of the patient and of the operator involved in the administration of the therapy.

Humanization in Oncology: The Impact of Vascular Access

This session will address the challenges of vascular access in oncology patients, highlighting how humanization can reduce pain and anxiety, enhancing the patient’s experience. It will explore the social and cultural factors influencing device selection, emphasizing the importance of involving patients in the decision-making process. The session will also discuss the key role of specialized nursing in patient education and self-management of vascular access, aiming to prevent complications and improve the quality of life for oncology patients.

General intro

PICC-port: How to prevent and avoid peroperative pitfalls

The session will adress differents tips and tricks in order to safely place a PICC-Port such as identifying potential vascular pathologies or anomalies and anatomical variations before the procedure. We will also address challenges related to venous puncture, including depth, diameter, and collapse, as well as the proximity to nerve and arterial structures.
Additionally, we will explore difficulties in catheter progression at the jugulo-subclavian-innominate junction and the confluence of the two brachiocephalic veins and the identification of false routes using the Bubble test.

How to properly tunnelise my PICC: Key steps for an easy and safe application

This session will be a practical workshop on tunneling, where participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice this innovative technique in vascular access. Tunneling is essential to ensure a safe exit site for the external catheter, reducing the risks of infection, thrombosis, and dislodgement. During the workshop, practical aspects and best practices for performing effective tunneling will be addressed.

How to safely administer cytotoxic drugs

This session shows where there are weak points in administration and where a safety system offers protection

Port access and maintenance: How to solve problems of patiency and challenging clinical solutions?

During this intervention, maintaining port patency, troubleshooting common issues, and implementing innovative clinical solutions will be adressed, based on real clinical challenges that are commonly faced. The workshop will mix handlings on implanted port access, case studies and interactive discussions.