Implanted Venous Access Ports
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GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is it?
- An implanted port is made up of two parts: a catheter (kath-uh-ter) and a port. A catheter is a small plastic flexible tube. A port is a pocket for fluids that you get through the catheter. It is made of metal or plastic and holds a small amount of liquid. One end of the catheter is connected to the port, and the other end goes through a vein near your heart.
- Most ports are the size of a quarter. They have plastic or metal on the sides and rubber over the top. The port is placed right under your skin and you can usually feel it through your skin. A special needle goes through your skin and the rubber on top of the port when the port is used. By having an access port, you can have blood taken for tests, and get intravenous (IV) fluids quickly and easily. Having the port may keep your arm from being stuck many times with a needle.
- A vein is a tube inside you that carries blood from the body to the heart and lungs. Your doctor will put the catheter into a vein near your neck. The port is placed on your chest near your collarbone, or in your upper arm. If the port will be used often, there may be a catheter tube (tail) attached to the needle. It will hang down onto your chest.
Why do I need an implanted venous access port? Implanted venous access ports are used for long term treatments. They are often put in if you have to take medicines at home. They are used if smaller veins in your arm are damaged, injured or have poor blood flow. The following are medicines and treatments you may get when you have a port:
- Blood.
- Chemotherapy (kee-mo-thair-uh-p): this is medicine to treat cancer.
- Frequent blood sample collection.
- IV fluids and medicines given over a long period of time (weeks, months or years).
- Total Parenteral (pair-en-ter-uhl) Nutrition: This is also called TPN. TPN is a special liquid food that goes directly into your veins.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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