Cancer Care

Central venous access devices

A central venous access device (CVC), also known as a central venous catheter or central line, is a medical tool inserted into one of the body’s large veins, typically near the chest area. This device provides direct access to the bloodstream, facilitating the administration of medications, fluids, and other treatments crucial in cancer care. At Holistic Imaging in Geelong, we offer several types of central venous catheters, tailored to meet the needs of our patients:

• Tunnelled Central Venous Catheters (Hickman, Vascath): These are surgically placed under the skin, offering secure, long-term access with reduced infection risks.
• Implanted Ports: Positioned under the skin, usually on the chest, these devices connect to a central vein, providing easy access for treatments like chemotherapy.
• Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC Lines): These catheters are inserted through a vein in the arm and threaded to a central vein, often near the heart, ideal for extended intravenous treatments.

Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolisation (TACE)

Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolisation (TACE) is a minimally invasive procedure offered in Geelong to treat certain types of liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal metastasis. This advanced treatment involves delivering a high dose of chemotherapy directly to the tumour while simultaneously blocking the blood vessels that supply it with oxygen and nutrients, effectively targeting and shrinking the tumour.

During the Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolisation (TACE) procedure in Geelong, a catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin and carefully guided to the blood vessels supplying the tumour using live X-ray imaging. Once the catheter is correctly positioned, a chemotherapy drug is injected directly into the tumour’s blood supply. Following this, embolic agents are introduced to block the blood flow to the tumour.

This dual-action approach allows the chemotherapy drug to remain in the tumour for an extended period, ensuring a higher concentration of the drug is delivered precisely where it’s needed. The blockage of blood vessels also deprives the tumour of oxygen and nutrients, leading to its gradual shrinkage and death.

TACE is typically performed under local anesthetic and light sedation, taking about 1-2 hours to complete. Patients in Geelong who undergo this procedure can usually return home the following day and resume normal activities within a few days, making it a convenient and effective treatment option for liver cancer.

Intrathecal Chemotherapy

Intrathecal chemotherapy is a specialised cancer treatment where chemotherapy drugs are delivered directly into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This method is particularly effective for targeting cancer cells that have spread to the central nervous system, such as in certain cases of leukaemia and lymphoma. At our Geelong clinic, this procedure is carefully administered to maximise efficacy while minimising systemic side effects.