If you’re getting chemotherapy for cancer, or other medications, it’s easier for the doctor to give you medication or IV fluids through a port. Otherwise, you’d need regular shots or needle sticks in your veins. The port is less painful and lowers your risk of infection, too.
How port can make cancer treatments easier?
Your team can use a port to:
- Reduce the number of needle sticks.
- Give treatments that last longer than 1 day. The needle can stay in the port for several days.
- Give more than 1 medication at a time through a double port.
- Do blood tests and give chemotherapy the same day with 1 needle stick.
What is an implanted port for cancer treatment?
Types of implanted ports include:
- Single lumen: This port has one access point (septum). It is the most common type.
- Double lumen: This triangular-shaped port has two access points to a vein. Two ports are helpful if you need to get more than one medication at the same time.
- Power-injectable: Many single- and double-lumen ports are power-injectable. ...
How is a port for chemo inserted?
You will need:
- A Port Access Kit (sterile gloves, CHG cleanser, central line dressing kit, skin protectant)
- A Biopatch (or disc impregnated with CHG)
- Masks for yourself and the patient
- Needless Connector
- A 90 degree, Non-Coring Port needle (also called a Huber needle) or PowerLoc needle for PowerPort
- Sterile Normal Saline flush syringe
What are common treatments for cancer?
What else you can do to help reduce your cancer risk
- Stay away from tobacco.
- Get to and stay at a healthy weight.
- Get moving with regular physical activity.
- Follow a healthy eating pattern that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and that limits or avoids red/processed meats, and highly processed foods.
- It’s best not to drink alcohol. ...
- Protect your skin.
Why do cancer patients get ports?
A port-a-cath is used to give intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, chemotherapy, and other drugs. It is also used for taking blood samples. A port-a-cath may stay in place for a long time and helps reduce the need for repeated needle sticks.
Do all cancer patients get a port?
Most patients keep their PICC, CVC or port until they're done with treatment, but it's different for every person. Ports are often requested because they allow patients more normalcy in their daily living and require less maintenance. But ports are not always the best choice.
Why do some chemo patients have a port?
The port allows for easier access to your veins so you won't have to deal with repeated needle sticks each time you have chemotherapy. During each treatment, the IV with the chemo drugs will be inserted directly into your port. The port can also be used for blood tests and other medications.
Is it better to have a port for chemo?
Why Do You Need an Implantable Port? If you're getting chemotherapy for cancer, or other medications, it's easier for the doctor to give you medication or IV fluids through a port. Otherwise, you'd need regular shots or needle sticks in your veins. The port is less painful and lowers your risk of infection, too.
How painful is having a port put in?
A local anesthetic is injected into your chest area. This numbs the area where the port is inserted. You should only feel a little pain or discomfort during the procedure.
At what stage of cancer is chemotherapy used?
Usually, chemotherapy may be used for all stages in most cancer types. Chemotherapy is a type of medicine or combination of medications that is used to treat or kill cancer cells. Adjuvant therapy: Chemotherapy may be used after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence (coming back).
How long can a chemo port stay in?
Ports can remain in place for weeks, months, or years. Your team can use a port to: Reduce the number of needle sticks. Give treatments that last longer than 1 day.
How often does a port need to be flushed?
It is routine practice to flush ports every four to six weeks, according to the manufacturer's recommendations, using salt solution followed heparin if needed. This study examines the effectiveness of port flushes at an alternative interval of 3 months, reducing the number of visits to the health-care provider.
Is chemo port painful?
Does it hurt? Not typically, but when it is accessed for chemo or a blood draw, the initial poke does sting a bit (similar to an IV poke in your arm). Over-the-counter or doctor-prescribed numbing creams can help ease the discomfort.
Can you shower with a port?
For most people, a port's pretty simple to live with. Once your incision heals, you can shower, swim, and do anything else you feel up to doing. You don't need a bandage on your port when you're not using it, and there's no dressing to change.
How many rounds of chemo is normal?
During a course of treatment, you usually have around 4 to 8 cycles of treatment. A cycle is the time between one round of treatment until the start of the next. After each round of treatment you have a break, to allow your body to recover.
What is the difference between a PICC line and a port?
PICCs are used for short-term delivery of IV medications, usually over weeks. Ports are used for longer-term delivery of IV medications, usually over months or often years. Although PICCs and ports have many similarities, if you need IV antibiotics to treat an exacerbation, you will likely get a PICC line placed.
What is the procedure to put a port in?
A surgeon or radiologist puts in a port. This is usually done with local anesthesia or conscious sedation. The entire catheter goes under the skin of your chest or upper arm. To give treatment with a port, your nurse may first numb the skin with cream. Then, your nurse cleans the skin and puts a needle into the port.
How long can a needle stay in a port?
Give treatments that last longer than 1 day. The needle can stay in the port for several days. Give more than 1 medication at a time through a double port. Do blood tests and give chemotherapy the same day with 1 needle stick.
How long does an IV catheter stay in?
You get a new IV each time you have treatment. Sometimes the catheter can stay in for 2 or 3 days if it is safely in your vein and not painful. Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). This is usually called a PICC ("pick") line.
What is the name of the catheter that is put in the body?
Where and how the catheter is put in your body depends on the type of catheter. The different types of catheters are: IV catheter. Treatments that are given in a vein are often given through a catheter with a small needle. This is called an IV catheter or simply an "IV.".
Where does a PICC catheter go?
Or it might go into a neck vein. Like with the PICC line, the tip of the catheter goes into the vein and a few inches of the tube goes into your body.
Why is a catheter clamped?
A portion of the catheter may stay outside your body so it is easy to insert the medication into the catheter. When you are not getting treatment, the catheter is clamped or capped to keep it closed.
Where does the catheter tube stay?
The remainder of the catheter tube will remain outside the body at the chest or neck. You will receive a local anesthetic or conscious sedation when the catheter is put in. Conscious sedation is medication to help you relax and feel sleepy. Implantable port or port-a-cath. A surgeon or radiologist puts in a port.
What is a chemo port?
A chemo port is a small, implantable reservoir with a thin silicone tube that attaches to a vein. The main advantage of this vein-access device is that chemotherapy medications can be delivered directly into the port rather than a vein, eliminating the need for needle sticks. Many people who receive chemotherapy choose to have a port implanted ...
Why do we need a port?
A port reduces the risk of medications coming into contact with – and possibly irritating – the skin. A port can be used to provide treatments that span several days. If you have further questions, you are welcome to talk with an expert at Moffitt.
What are the benefits of a port?
In addition to streamlining the delivery of chemotherapy medications, a port can provide several other benefits as compared to an IV catheter: 1 A port site is prepared with a sterile technique, which ensures that all surfaces are free of microorganisms and thus greatly reduces the risk of infection (an IV site is prepared with a clean but nonsterile technique). 2 A port can also be used for delivering fluids and transfusions, drawing blood for lab testing and injecting dye for PET and CT scans. 3 A port reduces the risk of medications coming into contact with – and possibly irritating – the skin. 4 A port can be used to provide treatments that span several days.
How long can a chemo port stay in place?
How long can a chemo port remain in place? Unlike an IV catheter, which must be reinserted for each treatment session, a port can remain in place as long as necessary – for several weeks, months or even years. When it is no longer needed, the port can be removed through a relatively simple outpatient procedure.
Where is a chemo port located?
Usually, a chemo port is centrally placed under the skin near a large vein in the upper chest. This can be a good alternative to an intravenous (IV) catheter that is peripherally placed in an arm or hand vein (a suitable IV site can sometimes be difficult to find).
What is port site?
A port site is prepared with a sterile technique, which ensures that all surfaces are free of microorganisms and thu s greatly reduces the risk of infection (an IV site is prepared with a clean but nonsterile technique).
Is porting better than IV?
Easily accessible by a patient’s treatment team, a port can provide a safer and more efficient medication delivery process than an IV. And, while a port will produce a visible, quarter-sized “bump” under the skin, it can be easily covered with regular clothing.
Why do you need a port for a vein?
If you are in treatment, you will need to have your veins accessed frequently. A port is used to avoid poking your arm with needles numerous times and for protecting small veins. It is removed after therapy and leaves a small scar behind. Although a port may be recommended, getting one is a decision you need to make with your doctor.
What is a port a catheter?
But there are other aspects of treatment you may not have heard of, like a port-a-catheter (aka port-a-cath or port), which is a mechanism used to deliver medicines, nutrients, blood products, or fluids into your blood and to take blood out of your body for testing. The port is one of the most common types of central venous catheters.
What happens after chemo?
During your chemo session, after your IV is connected, the nurse will flush out the port lines before administering the chemo drugs . This is also the last thing that the nurse does after administering your chemo, before removing the IV. If your port hasn’t been accessed in about a month, you have to have it flushed out.
How long does it take for a port to flush out?
If your port hasn’t been accessed in about a month, you have to have it flushed out. This can be done at your local hospital blood lab department and will only take a few minutes. This will help prevent blood clotting, infection, and other complications. This article first appeared on Rethink Breast Cancer.
Where is the port located?
quarter or Canadian loonie) that is placed underneath your skin, usually above your breast or below the collarbone, and is used to intravenously feed medication directly into a large vein and into the heart. It can also be used to withdraw blood as well.
Can you get a port in your arm?
Although a port may be recommended, getting one is a decision you need to make with your doctor. There are many factors to consider including cost, type, and schedule of treatment, as well as other existing medical conditions you may have. It can also be inserted in your upper arm, but this is something you often have to advocate for in Canada, ...
Can you wear a seat belt over a port?
It can be uncomfortable. Wearing a seat belt or a purse directly over the port area can irritate it, but thankfully, accessories can help — think small pillows between your port and the seat belt or a seat belt wrap. (If you want to add a bit of personality to your pillow, Etsy does carry some cute ones.)
Why do you need a port for chemo?
Some chemotherapy medications can only be given through a port because they are too caustic to be delivered into a peripheral vein. Beyond that, using a port is often easier than inserting an IV each time if you will be having several infusions of chemotherapy.
What happens if you have a port placed for chemo?
Many people who have a port placed for chemotherapy will develop a thrombosis, or blood clot, in the port or the catheter. This clot may cause the port to stop working, often creating the need for the port to be replaced. 5.
What is a port used for?
A port can be used to draw blood and infuse chemotherapy drugs. It can be used if you need transfusions of red blood cells or platelets. 1. Without a port or a PICC line, a new IV needle will need to be placed each time you have chemotherapy, and separate IV lines are needed if you require IV fluids or a blood transfusion.
Why does my port stop working?
A clot may form in the port or catheter, causing it to stop working. Many people who have a port placed for chemotherapy will develop a thrombosis (clot) in the catheter (often causing a need for the port to be replaced). 5
What is the area where a nurse inserts a needle into a port?
During blood draws or chemotherapy infusions, a nurse will insert a needle into an area called the "septum, " a resealable rubber center on your port. Advantages. Greater comfort.
How many ports are there for chemo?
As with any surgical procedure, there are both advantages and disadvantages to having a chemotherapy port placed. Estimates suggest there are more than 5 million ports placed in the United States each year, so physicians are very familiar with the procedure and it has been well studied. 4. The benefits of having a chemotherapy port compared ...
How many needle sticks are needed for IV port?
A single needle stick is usually all that is needed to access your port. 1 With IV therapy and traditional blood draws, sometimes many needle sticks are needed to find a good vein, especially if your veins have been damaged from repeated blood draws and infusions.
Where to put a port for cancer?
Ports are most often placed under the skin of the chest or arm. With certain types of cancer, a port might be placed in the abdomen (belly) to allow medicine to be given into the area where a tumor is.
What is an implant port?
An implanted port (also called an implantable venous access port) is a common choice for people with cancer. The port is a small drum made of plastic or metal, with a thin tube (called a line) going into a large vein. The drum is covered with a self-sealing membrane (called a septum) made of silicone.
What is an IV line?
Intravenous (IV) lines are thin, flexible, plastic hoses that run from a bottle or bag of medicine into a tiny needle or intravenous catheter (a small, flexible tube) placed in a vein in your body. IV lines must always be germ-free (“sterile”) to be sure no infections get into your blood. IV supplies are used only once and are never re-used. They are used to put medicines, blood products, nutrients, or fluids right into your blood. Sometimes, they can also be used to take out blood for testing.
What equipment is used for cancer treatment?
Tubes, Lines, Ports, and Catheters Used in Cancer Treatment. If you need surgery, chemotherapy, or other types of treatment, equipment like tubes, lines, ports, and catheters might be used. The type of equipment that's used depends mostly on the reason it's needed, but it will also depend on your health and preferences, ...
Why do we need tubes?
Tubes, lines, ports, and catheters might be needed to give cancer treatments, other medicines, fluids, blood products, oxygen, and liquid nourishment (food or feedings). Sometimes tubes are used to pull or drain fluid from the body after surgery or during other treatment-related procedures. You may not have to take care of any kinds ...
Why do you put a tube in the bladder after surgery?
Put into the bladder to drain urine after surgery or because of other problems that might come up. Put into a colostomy or the rectum to help drain intestinal waste if needed. If you leave the hospital with any drainage tubes, your nurse will teach you how to care for them and what problems to watch for.
Why do we need draining tubes?
Draining tubes might be used to help drain extra fluid that builds up after surgery or a procedure, or because of a tumor blockage. Draining tubes can be used in different ways. For example, a tube might be:
What is a chemo port?
A chemotherapy port is sometimes referred to as a mediport, cancer port, or port a cath, is a vascular access device that is implanted under the skin so that people with cancer can be given chemotherapy. A power port is a port that enables patients to receive IV therapy as well as contrast CT scans. For more information on chemotherapy read our ...
Where is a chemo port placed?
Chemo Port Placement. A port is usually placed surgically under the skin of the chest or upper arm. Some WhatNexters have had to choose between port placement either in their arm or chest. Conditions for port location and implant vary from patient to patient; it is okay to be nervous about your port placement.
How long does it take for a port to flush?
Some WhatNexters have experienced a slight itching or burning when it comes time to have their port flushed. The time between flushes is often 3-6 weeks depending on the recommendation from your doctor.
What are the complications of a port?
It should be monitored closely and you should report any problems to your doctor right away. A port can break, become swollen, or become infected; signs of infection are if the site is red, hot, or oozing.
Is chemo hard on veins?
Chemo is also hard on your veins, and repeated treatments in the arms or hands can make the veins hard and inaccessible. So if treatment is expected to involve several sessions, a port is recommended.
Can a port implant be a reminder of cancer?
Everyone will react differently, but some reject the idea of another surgery or worry that a port implant may be a constant reminder of their cancer. Fortunately, in most cases, the uneasiness faded over time and they were thankful for their port.
Is port surgery high maintenance?
Ports are not commonly high maintenance ; some say there was soreness after the surgery, most patients go on to maintain their normal quality of life. You will still be able to shower; it may take some getting used to or finding a new sleeping position. Many people stay completely active with their ports.
Why do you need a port for IV?
Some medications could burst or burn the smaller veins in your arm. Because the port empties into a large vein, it helps avoid these problems. It also makes it easier if you need to get medications around the clock over a few days.
Why do you need an implant port?
Why Do You Need an Implantable Port? If you’re getting chemotherapy for cancer, or other medications, it’s easier for the doctor to give you medication or IV fluids through a port. Otherwise, you’d need regular shots or needle sticks in your veins. The port is less painful and lowers your risk of infection, too.
How do you inject chemo into a port?
Doctors inject chemotherapy drugs or IV fluids into the septum of your port. From there, they go through the catheter to a vein and directly into your bloodstream. The doctor can also take blood samples through the septum. They’ll call this accessing the port.
How long does it take for a seatbelt to heal after a port?
You can place a pillow between the seatbelt and your port, or move the seatbelt to a different spot. Don’t lift any objects heavier than 10 pounds for about 5 days after you get the port. About a week to 10 days after the process, your doctor or nurse will remove any stitches. The wound should be healed by then.
What is a port a cath?
Doctors use them to take blood or to get drugs or fluids into your bloodstream more easily than with a standard intravenous needle, or IV. The port is a good option if you need treatments regularly or over a long period of time.
What is the port called that is sealed around the edges?
A port that lies just beneath the skin’s surface. Fluid flows through it to get into your body. The raised, center part of the port is called the septum. It’s sealed around the edges with rubber. You may also hear it called the access point. The catheter or “cath.”.
How long does a catheter stay in your chest?
Once it’s implanted, the device can stay in your chest for years if it has to. Your doctor will remove it once your chemotherapy is done and you no longer need it.
Where is a port placed?
Your port will be placed either in Interventional Radiology or in the operating room. Port placement is a short procedure. Your doctor or nurse will tell you how to prepare for it.
What is an implanted port?
About Implanted Ports. An implanted port (also known as a “port”) is a flexible tube that’s placed into a vein in your chest. It will make it easier for your healthcare team to: Give you intravenous (IV, through a vein) medication. Give you IV fluids. Take blood samples.
What are the two parts of an implanted port?
Types of implanted ports. All implanted ports are made up of 2 parts: the port with a septum and a catheter (see Figure 2). The port is the starting point of fluid flow through the catheter. It sits under your skin and has a raised center called a septum. The septum is made from a self-sealing rubber material.
How long after a port is removed can you shower?
Wearing a seatbelt may put pressure on your incisions. You can put a small pillow or folded towel between the strap and your body to help with this. For 3 to 5 days after your implanted port is placed, don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms).
How much does a port raise your skin?
Your implanted port may raise your skin about ½ an inch (1.2 centimeters). You may be able to feel it through your skin, but you probably won’t be able to see it when you wear a V-neck shirt. Most people won’t know that you have it. The skin over your implanted port doesn’t need any special care.
How long after port placement can you lift?
Wearing a seatbelt may put pressure on your incisions. You can put a small pillow or folded towel between the strap and your body to help with this. For 3 to 5 days after your implanted port is placed, don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms).
Where is the catheter placed in the neck?
The catheter will be placed through the second incision, tunneled under your skin to the first incision, and threaded into your vein.
Port Use in Chemotherapy
How A Chemo Port Is Implanted
Advantages
Disadvantages
- Chemotherapy ports may seem like a "no-brainer," but they have their limitations and risks. They include: 1. Risk of infection: While the risk is relatively low, it can occur. Research suggests that around 2% of chemo ports need to be replaced due to an infection.4 2. Risk of thrombosis: Many people with a chemo port will develop a blood clot (thrombosis) which can block the catheter. T…
Avoiding Complications
- As infrequent as infections are with chemo pumps, they do occur. In severe cases, this can lead to a potentially life-threatening, whole-body infection known as septicemia.4 Flushing the catheter with an antibiotic and heparin solution appears to significantly reduce the risk of infection.4Cleansing the skin also does not appear to help. However, if there are signs of a local …
Summary
- A chemotherapy port is a device implanted under the skin to deliver chemo drugs to a large vein in the upper chest. The port is usually implanted as a same-day surgical procedure under local anesthesia. A chemo port reduces the need for repeated needle sticks during chemo. The port is largely invisible under clothes and can be submerged under water...
A Word from Verywell
- Having a chemo port implanted is often the first step in chemotherapy. Since it involves minor surgery, there are risks you need to consider. It is important to talk with your oncologist about the pros and cons of a chemo port—and how you'll need to care for it—before you make an informed decision about the procedure.