Comparing normal saline versus diluted heparin to lock non-valved totally implantable venous access devices in cancer patients: A randomised, non-inferiority, open trial

Abstract

Background: Heparin has been used for years as a locking solution in totally implantable venous access devices. Normal saline (NS) might be a safe alternative for heparin. However, evidence of non-inferiority of NS versus heparin is lacking. Patients and methods: We randomly allocated 802 cancer patients with a newly inserted port either to heparin lock (300 U/3 ml) or to NS lock groups in a 1:1 assignment ratio. The primary outcome was the number of functional. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology. All rights reserved.