Implanted Venous Access Port
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
An implanted venous access port is a device used to give treatments and take blood. It may also be called a central venous access device (CVAD). The port is a small container that is placed under your skin, usually in your upper chest. A port can also be placed in your arm or abdomen. The port is attached to a catheter that enters a large vein. Your healthcare provider may show you or a family member how to give medicines or liquids through your port. A healthcare provider may also visit you at home to give you medicines or treatments.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have pain in your arm, neck, shoulder, or chest.
- You have trouble breathing that is getting worse over time.
Call your healthcare provider if:
- Blood soaks through your bandage.
- You hear a bubbling noise when your port is flushed.
- The skin over or around your port breaks open.
- Your heart is jumping or fluttering.
- You have a headache, blurred vision, and feel confused.
- You have a fever.
- Your port site is red, swollen, or draining pus.
- Your port site turns cold, changes color, or you cannot feel it.
- The veins in your neck or chest bulge.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Prevent an infection:
- Wash your hands often. Use soap and water. Clean your hands before and after you care for your port. Remind everyone who cares for your port to wash their hands.
- Clean the skin around your port every day. Ask your healthcare provider what to use to clean your skin.
- Check your skin for infection every day. Look for redness, swelling, or fluid oozing from the port site.
Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:
You may need to return to have your stitches removed in 1 week. Dissolvable stitches will not need to be removed. Your body will absorb the stitches, or they will fall out on their own. Medical glue will peel off on its own in 5 to 10 days. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
Implanted venous access information card:
Your healthcare provider will give you a card with information about your port. Keep the card in a safe place that is easy to find.
Activity:
You may return to your daily activities when the area heals. You will be able to bathe, shower, or swim after the area heals.
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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.
Further information
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