Port or a Port-a-cath are the same thing, although there are different varieties depending on the planned use of the port.
A Port is an implantable subcutaneous device that enables reliable and convenient access to a patient’s veins.
There are many different brands, but they all serve a similar purpose.
They can be used for chemotherapy, blood draws, and even pheresis with specially designed ports.
HOW IS A PORT INSERTED
Your port will be inserted using a combination of ultrasound and X-ray technologies to ensure a safe, and minimally invasive approach, with very low risk of complication.
A combination of conscious sedation and local anesthesia makes this procedure very well tolerated on an outpatient basis.
Ultrasound is used to advance a small needle into a vein, typically the right internal jugular vein.
A small incision is made, typically on the chest wall, and the port is inserted into this small pocket. The catheter (skinny tube) that arises from the port is advanced under the skin to the location of the initial puncture.
Through the initial needle, a soft wire is inserted, the needle is removed and a sheath is advanced over the wire. The sheath is a hollow tube that acts as conduit to allow the catheter to be advanced into the vein.
The catheter of the port is measured with X-ray and inserted through the sheath and into the vein. The sheath is removed and the incisions are closed with sutures and skin glue.
WHEN CAN I USE MY NEW PORT?
The port is ready to be used at the end of the procedure. In fact, if patient is planning on getting chemotherapy that day, we can leave the port accessed.
WILL I HAVE TO GET ANY STITCHES TAKEN OUT?
No. All of the stitches are under the skin. There is also a thin layer of skin glue on top of the incision keeping it closed.
WHAT ARE MY RESTRICTIONS AFTER PORT PLACEMENT?
You will need a driver to take you home because of the sedation medicines.
