Port (medicine)

Port (medicine)

A port in medicine refers to a small medical appliance that is installed beneath the skin. A catheter connects the port to a vein. Under the skin, the port has a septum through which drugs can be injected and blood samples can be drawn many times, usually with less discomfort for the patient than a more typical "needle stick."

A port-a-cath device.

Design and Function

The port is typically a small, round device made of titanium or plastic, with a silicone septum. It is surgically implanted under the skin, usually in the chest area, and connected to a catheter that is threaded into a large vein, such as the superior vena cava. This allows for easy access to the bloodstream for the delivery of chemotherapy, antibiotics, or other intravenous medications, as well as for drawing blood for laboratory tests.

A port with a gripper needle inserted.

Indications

Ports are commonly used in patients who require frequent or continuous administration of intravenous medications, such as those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment. They are also used in patients who need long-term parenteral nutrition or frequent blood transfusions. The use of a port can reduce the need for repeated needle sticks and preserve the integrity of peripheral veins.

Procedure

The implantation of a port is a minor surgical procedure that is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation. The surgeon makes a small incision to create a pocket under the skin for the port and another incision to insert the catheter into a vein. The catheter is then tunneled under the skin to connect with the port. The procedure typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

Maintenance and Care

Ports require regular maintenance to prevent infection and ensure proper function. This includes flushing the port with heparin or saline solution to prevent clotting. Patients are instructed on how to care for the port site and recognize signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or fever.

An implanted port visible under the skin.

Complications

While ports are generally safe, they can be associated with complications such as infection, thrombosis, or mechanical failure. Infection is the most common complication and can occur at the port site or within the bloodstream. Thrombosis, or clotting, can occur in the catheter or the vein, potentially leading to deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

Removal

The removal of a port is also a minor surgical procedure, typically performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision over the port site, removes the port and catheter, and closes the incision with sutures. Removal is usually straightforward and associated with minimal complications.

X-ray showing a port catheter.

Related Pages

• Intravenous therapy
• Central venous catheter
• Chemotherapy
• Parenteral nutrition

Diagram of the veins of the neck, showing the location of the superior vena cava.

See Also

• Hickman line
• PICC line
• Vascular access

X-ray of a port-a-cath in the azygos vein.