Potential value of vitamin E in cancer patients with venous access devices

Background: Vitamin E has antiplatelet, fibrinolytic and endotoxin properties that may help avoid the problems of occlusion or inability to withdraw blood from port VADs. Purpose: Disseminate information about the non-traditional therapeutic use of vitamin E associated with care of Venous Access Devices (VAD) in patients with cancer. Methodology: In-person focus groups. Sample of 22 cancer patients who had port Venous Access Devices (VAD). Findings: Fourteen percent (N = 3) of patients felt that taking vitamin E, 400 -800 IU per day orally, in capsule form, avoided the problems of occlusion or inability to withdraw blood from their current VAD. Practice Implications: The effects of vitamin E on occlusion and inability to withdraw blood in caring for patients who have port VADs, requires further investigation.