Chemoplast Insertion Vascular Devices
Chemoplast Insertion refers to the insertion of a chemoplastic vascular device, typically used for the administration of chemotherapy or other medical treatments through a central venous access point. These devices are often inserted into a vein, typically the jugular, subclavian, or femoral vein, and then threaded into larger veins close to the heart, such as the superior vena cava.
Chemoplastic devices are designed to be durable and resistant to the corrosive effects of drugs like chemotherapy agents. They are used to facilitate easy and long-term access to the vascular system, making the process of delivering treatments like chemotherapy, antibiotics, or other medications more efficient.
The past 2 decades have seen a rise in vascular innovations and a rapid evolution in endovascular device technology, with the emergence of atherectomy, intravascular lithotripsy, drug elution technology, thrombectomy devices, and many more. Like all other medical devices, vascular devices undergo a life cycle composed of a concept phase, a planning and design phase, a regulatory process, a launch phase, and a post-market stage. Experimental and preclinical models are required at various stages of the life cycle to aid in the designing, refining, and feasibility testing of novel devices before they are transferred to clinical practice. The experimental testing of these devices relies heavily on the ability to simulate human anatomy and physiology, and to mimic or induce specific disease processes. Computational and benchtop models play very important roles at the early stages of the manufacturing process, and animal and cadaveric models are indispensable for testing the mechanistic performance, safety, and efficacy of novel devices before they are used in clinical trials and regulatory approval is obtained for public use.
Chemotherapy
Coronary angioplasty (AN-jee-o-plas-tee) is a procedure to open clogged blood vessels of the heart. Coronary angioplasty treats vessels, called coronary arteries, which deliver blood to heart muscles. A tiny balloon on a narrow tube, called a catheter, is used to widen a clogged artery and improve blood flow.
Angioplasty is often followed by the placement of a small wire mesh tube called a stent. The stent helps prop the artery open and decreases the chance of the artery narrowing again. Most stents are coated with medicine that helps keep the artery open.
Angioplasty and stent placement may be a planned procedure to improve blood flow to the heart muscles. The procedure also may be used as emergency treatment for a heart attack.
Coronary angioplasty and stent placement also are called percutaneous coronary intervention.
Where will I receive chemotherapy treatments?
Chemotherapy treatments are generally administered on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home the same day. Treatments can take place in several settings, including a hospital’s outpatient clinic, a specialized cancer treatment center, or sometimes even in a physician's office.
- In a clinic or infusion center.
- In your oncologist’s office.
- In a hospital.
- At home (if you’re taking a pill or liquid form of a chemotherapy drug).
Risks / Benefits
What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy drugs target all fast-growing cells, including cancer cells. This means chemotherapy drugs destroy cancer cells but can also damage other cells in your body, potentially causing side effects. Blood cells and the cells in your skin, hair follicles and digestive tract are examples of cells that grow and multiply quickly. That’s why some common side effects of chemotherapy occur in these areas, including:
- Anemia.
- Bleeding.
- Constipation.
- Diarrhea.
- Fatigue.
- Hair loss.
- Infection.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Talk to your care team about ways to manage the side effects of cancer treatment.
What are the benefits of chemotherapy?
Despite the potential side effects, chemotherapy has been an effective, reliable cancer treatment for decades. Chemo can rid your body of cancer completely, or it can help you have a better quality of life by reducing symptoms. Chemotherapy can also make other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy, more effective.
Recovery and Outlook
How long do the side effects of chemotherapy last?
Many side effects of chemotherapy will go away after you stop treatment. Some effects of chemotherapy, though, may not show up until months or years after treatment. Late effects of chemo can include:
- Cognitive (memory and thinking) issues, also called “chemo brain.”
- Early menopause.
- Cardiotoxicity, or heart problems caused by cancer treatment.
- Neuropathy, or symptoms of nerve damage.
- Infertility.
Many people find cancer rehabilitation helpful in managing the effects of cancer treatment.
Can cancer come back after chemotherapy?
Cancer can come back after chemotherapy or any type of cancer treatment. Once treatment ends, your care team often asks you to come for follow-up visits to check for disease. Your oncologist may recommend more cycles of chemotherapy to treat cancer that returns.
Additional Details
At what stage of cancer do people receive chemotherapy?
There isn’t a specific cancer stage when people receive chemotherapy treatments. The type of chemotherapy drugs you receive, the dose and timing of treatment depend on multiple factors. For example, you may have cancer that responds to chemotherapy as a first-line treatment. Or your oncologist may recommend chemotherapy only after other treatments haven’t worked.
Ask your oncologist about the best treatment approach for your specific situation.
Is taking chemotherapy painful?
Most people don’t experience pain during treatment sessions, especially if they’re taking pills or using a topical cream. If you’re receiving a shot or injection, you may feel an uncomfortable sting or prick when the needle goes in. You may feel slight burning once the medicine enters your body, but the sensation usually lessens during treatment.
Can cancer be cured with chemotherapy?
Yes. Some forms of cancer are sensitive to chemotherapy and go away completely following treatment. Healthcare providers take care when using words like “cure” when it comes to cancer because there’s always a chance it could return. Still, many cancer survivors are currently cancer-free thanks to chemotherapy.