One end is in the main vein, the other end is connected to a special chamber placed under the skin in the upper chest. Especially in cancer patients, the veins in the hands and arms quickly become unusable during treatment, and it becomes increasingly difficult to draw blood for examination or administer medication. In these patients, the placement of port catheter systems at the beginning of treatment will significantly increase the patient’s comfort.
What is a port catheter?
Port catheter application is also known as chemotherapy port. It is the creation of an artificial vascular access by placing a small device under the skin of patients who need long-term vascular access, especially cancer patients.
How is a Vascular Port applied?
The catheter system is placed under local anesthesia. The procedure is completed within minutes. There is usually no pain after the procedure. After the catheter system is placed, it is appropriate for the patient not to take a bath until the stitches are removed. The catheter system is used immediately after placement, there is no need to wait for the wound to heal.
Are there any risks to having a port catheter inserted?
The most important risk that may develop during the procedure may be pneumothorax (air leakage into the chest cavity). Today, this side effect is very rare because catheters are placed with the help of modern imaging techniques such as ultrasound and scopy. Wound infection is another risk. For this reason, performing the procedure in completely sterile (microbe-free) conditions, administering a single dose of prophylactic antibiotics during the procedure, and performing regular care of the area where the port is placed until the stitches are removed will eliminate the risk of infection.
How to care for a port catheter?
After the stitches are removed, dressing is not necessary. However, it should be remembered that the catheter should be washed with an anticoagulant serum after each use to prevent blood from clotting and clogging the catheter when not in use. This procedure is performed by the treating physician, not the patient.
How long can a port catheter stay in?
Catheters are made of silicone material, which causes the least reaction in the body, and the part placed under the skin is made of titanium. For this reason, it can remain in the area where it is placed for many years unless it is blocked by a clot.
Who can have a Vascular Port catheter inserted?
A port catheter system can be placed in all patients of all ages, especially those who need long-term intravenous drug administration and frequent blood tests, such as cancer patients, and those who have difficulty finding vascular access.