Skin & Sun Safety
Treatment
WHAT IS AN IMPLANTED ACCESS PORT?
WHAT IS AN IMPLANTED ACCESS PORT?TRANSCRIPTAn implanted access port, or Infusaport, is a personal medical device designed tomake long-term medication treatment easier and more comfortable for you.An implanted port is a small, round disk placed under your skin. The disk is attachedto a very thin tube, called a catheter that travels through a large blood vessel, endingjust above your heart. This is a central line.Medication, fluid and nutrients can be delivered through the tube. Because it ends justoutside your heart, all the medication and nutrients can quickly get pumped to therest of your body, speeding delivery. The port can also be used to draw blood sampleswhen needed.And because the tube is so small and flexible, it can stay in place for weeks, and evenmonths with proper care, making it possible to receive treatment while continuing todo many of the things you enjoy.To insert the port, a trained member of your healthcare team will place the port underyour skin. An X-ray or ultrasound machine may be used to guide the catheter througha vein in your upper chest or neck area and into the large central vein called thesuperior vena cava. The port area is then covered with a sterile dressing until it heals,usually about 5 to 7 days.When your port is first inserted, you may feel some discomfort. Your healthcareprovider may prescribe pain relief medications for a short time to relieve any pain.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_qc_10007_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
Learn how to properly care for your implanted port to keep it infection free and in good working order to keep it in use for several weeks to months.
Understand what a surgical drain is and what it does to help you avoid complications, including infections, after surgery.
Learn how a peripherally inserted central catheter device is used to safely deliver long-term medications and draw blood samples.
Watch how your implanted access port will be flushed to clean it on the inside in order to prevent infection and clotting.
