Port implantation

An implanted port is a device to put medicine, blood, nutrients, or fluids directly into your blood. The port may be used to draw blood for tests only if another vein, such as in the hand or arm, can't be used. People can have a port for weeks, months, or longer.

A port is usually put under the skin of your chest below your collarbone. A thin, flexible tube goes from the port into a large vein. This tube also goes under your skin. It's called a catheter.

A port can be made of plastic, stainless steel, or titanium. It's usually about the size of a quarter, but thicker. It has a silicone bubble in the center. This is called a septum.

Before your doctor puts in the port, you will get medicine to make you sleep or feel relaxed. Then the doctor threads the catheter up a vein in your neck or chest to a larger vein. Next, the doctor puts in the port just under your skin. It looks like a small bump.

Fluid goes into the port through a needle. You will feel a slight pain when the needle goes into the port. Some ports have a small reservoir that can be filled with medicine or fluid. The reservoir slowly puts medicine into your bloodstream. A special needle may stay in the port for a short time. This is called a Huber needle.

Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.

Preparing for the procedure

• Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
• Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your procedure. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
• Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.
• Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don’t have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It’s a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.

Activity

• Avoid arm and upper body movements that may pull on the catheter for the first few days. These movements include heavy weight lifting and vigorous use of your arms.
• You will probably need to take 1 day off from work and will be able to return to normal activities shortly after. This depends on the type of work you do, why you have the catheter, and how you feel.
• You probably will be able to take baths and swim. But you may need to avoid some activities. Talk to your doctor about any limits on your activity.
• Ask your doctor when you can drive again. Be careful when you pull your seat belt across your chest so it doesn't pull out the catheter. It's okay if the seat belt lays over the catheter.

Medicines

• Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. He or she will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
• If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.

Incision care

• If you have a bandage, your doctor will tell you when you can remove it. After you remove the bandage, you may shower. Wash the area with soap and water and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the area with a gauze bandage if it weeps or rubs against clothing. Change the bandage every day.
• If you have strips of tape on the cut (incision) the doctor made, leave the tape on for a week or until it falls off.

Other instructions

• Always carry the medical alert card that your doctor gives you. It contains information about your port. It will tell health care workers that you have a port in case you need emergency care.
• When you get dressed, be careful not to rub the port. Do not wear a bra or suspenders that irritate your skin near the port.