Why is this procedure done?
A central line catheter is a very long intravenous (I.V.) line. A portacath is a type of central line. A portacath, or port, is made of a round disc and long tube called a catheter. They are hooked together and put under the skin. The port is most often put in the chest area. It can also be put in the upper arm or lower abdomen. It looks like a small bump under your skin. The long catheter tube is threaded under the skin and into a large vein that leads to just above your heart. Once you have a port, you do not need to have I.V. needles stuck into your arms to have lab tests drawn or fluids given. � �
Once this port is in place, the doctor or nurse will use a special needle to get into the disc part. This is called "accessing " � the port. The needle can stay in for a week at a time and will be covered with a clear bandage and taped in place. When the needle is not in the port, you will not have any holes in your skin because the port is under the skin. It can stay in place for months or years until your treatment is no longer needed. Sometimes, this kind of I.V. is used to draw blood for tests. � �
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What will the results be?
The portacath will: � �
- Let you get drugs like chemo, antibiotics, drugs for pain when needed for long-term care
- Get liquid food into the body
- Give I.V. drugs when it is too hard to get a needle into your veins
- Give certain types of drugs that smaller veins might not be able to handle
- Take blood samples when being checked often
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: � �
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- Your doctor will make a small cut in the skin on your chest. The port will be placed in a small pocket just under your skin. The catheter part is tunneled under your skin up towards your neck. Another small cut is made just over your collarbone. The doctor will find the vein and thread the other end of the catheter into it. The tip of the catheter will be in a large vein near your heart.
- The cut sites will be closed with stitches or small tape strips.
- The procedure takes about an hour.
What happens after the procedure?
- The staff will talk with you about how to take care of your portacath and bandage at home. Be sure to ask any questions you have about it and taking care of it. You may need help from a friend or family member.
- Talk to your doctor about what activities you may need to limit when returning home.
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: � �
- Help with pain
- Fight an infection
- Treat your condition
- Prevent blood clots
- Give nutrition
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bruising
- Blood clot
- Scar inside the large blood vessel if the port is in for a long time
Where can I learn more?
Cancer.net � �
http://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/how-cancer-treated/chemotherapy/catheters-and-ports-cancer-treatment � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
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