Totally implantable venous access port systems (TIVAPS) are widely used in breast cancer patients. However, complications are frequent and may necessitate device replacement or removal, resulting in additional patient stress and treatment delays. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible risk factors for complications. A total of 2,996 consecutive female breast cancer patients, with a median age of 50.2 years (range, 21.2-85.5 years) were enrolled in this observational, single-centre study between December, 2008 and April, 2014. TIVAPS implantation was principally performed using local anaesthesia and the blind puncture or Seldinger technique through internal jugular or subclavian vein access. A retrospective chart review was conducted to obtain information associated with TIVAPS and patient data. Insertion performed by blind puncture and Seldinger technique had a success ratio of 96.34 and 99.80%, respectively (chi(2)=29.905, P<0.001). However, the success ratio of the puncture technique group was 99.76% when the TIVAPS was implanted in the right internal jugular vein. The most common complications were late complications, with an overall incidence rate of 5.41% (162/2,996) during the entire device duration. The most common late complications included fibrin formation (1.84%, 55/2,996), port-related bacteraemia (1.44%, 43/2,996) and deep vein thrombosis (0.63%, 19/2,996). No patient died during the study. Our results demonstrated that insertion of TIVAPS by blind puncture or the Seldinger technique through internal jugular or subclavian vein access is convenient, and insertion by the Seldinger technique through the right internal jugular vein is the preferred method. Therefore, TIVAPS is safe for continuous infusional chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer patients.