Port-a-Cath (chemo port)
A port- a- cath. is a type of central venous line which is
a soft, hollow tube that we place into a large vein and
leads into the heart, it goes under your skin (in upper
chest). The line can be used to give fluids, blood
products and medicines, and to take blood samples. It is
designed to stay in body for many months or even years.
What do chemo ports look like?
Chemo ports can be circular, triangular
or oval-shaped.
Parts to a chemo port
1- Port: The main part of the device, where healthcare
providers inject fluids.
Parts to a chemo port
2- Septum: The center part of the port, made from a
self-sealing rubber material.
Parts to a chemo port
3- Catheter: A thin, flexible tube that connects your
port to your vein.
Types of chemo ports:
1- Single lumen port: This chemo port has one access
point. It’s the most common type.
2- Double lumen port: This port has two access points.
Healthcare providers can place a needle in each one.
What are the benefits of port for cancer treatment?
1- Reduce the number of times a nurse or other team
member needs to insert a needle into pt. vein to give
treatment or take a blood sample for testing.
2-Give blood transfusions or more than 1 treatment at a
time. if there is a double port.
3-Reduce the risk of drugs leaking outside a vein.
What are the benefits of port for cancer treatment?
4-Avoid bruising or bleeding if the pt. have bleeding
problems such as a low platelet count.
5- Reduce the risk of tissue and muscle damage. This can
happen if medication leaks outside a vein.
6- It allows the patient to get some chemotherapy at home
instead of in a hospital or clinic.
What are the benefits of port for cancer treatment?
7-Less discomfort with chemotherapy treatment.
8-The ability to administer treatments that last more than a
day, since the needle can be placed into the port and left
there.
What are the risks or complications of
chemotherapy ports?
1- Thrombosis: This can occur when blood clots block the
catheter in chemo port.
2- Movement limitations: Excessive movements may cause
displacement of chemo port. The surgeon may recommend
avoiding strenuous activity while the chemotherapy port is in
place.
What are the risks or complications of
chemotherapy ports?
3- Mechanical issues: Some things can keep the patient
chemo port from working properly (like if the catheter
moves out of place).
4- Scarring: Chemo port surgery will likely leave a small
scar.
What are the risks or complications of
chemotherapy ports?
5- Infection: Though it’s rare, infection is a risk of chemo
port placement. It occurs in about 2% of cases. If this
happens, the pt. might need to replace his port. (Signs of
infection include fever, pain and inflammation.).
6- Twisting of the catheter under the skin.
The advice that should be given to
patients who have a port
1-Carefully following the directions regarding cleaning.
2-Changing any dressings after the port is implanted.
3-Always washing your hands before touching the port.
4-Making sure the port doesn’t go underwater.
5-Not engaging in contact sports or other activities that may
cause you to collide with a person or object.
When should the patient contact his healthcare provider?
1-When he feels feverish.
2-When you notice red, swollen, or pus draining from
the port site.
3-When the port site becomes cold, changes color, or
you can't feel it.
4-The veins in neck or chest bulge.
