In a retrospective study (1987-1997) the complications of a totally implantable venous access device (Port-A-Cath, Fa. Pharmacia, Germany) were analysed in 91 children with 99 implants. All but 2 of these children had malignant diseases. Their age ranged from 0.1 to 18.1 (median 6) years. Overall implant time was 171.2 years (62,488 days), averaging 1.63 years (595 days) per device. 11 complications were registered, i.e. infections (6), occlusions (4) and disconnection (1), resulting in an overall infection rate of 0.06 and a total occlusion rate of 0.04. The overall complication rate was thus 0.11, which compares favourably with other studies. With careful handling, the Port-a-Cath device is very reliable and involves few complications.