Overview

This device is a small chamber placed beneath the skin of your chest or upper arm. An access port allows your healthcare team to inject medicines and fluids into your bloodstream easily. The port can also be used to take samples of your blood.

Comfort

Venous access ports are often used for cancer patients who need frequent infusions of chemotherapy or other drugs. A port can help make this process more comfortable for you.

Placement

The access port is placed in your body during a simple surgical procedure. You lie down, and are given medicines to help you relax. Your skin is numbed, and the doctor makes two incisions. The doctor inserts the port through one and positions it just under the skin. A catheter tube is placed through the other incision. The port is connected to the catheter. The catheter enters a large vein just above your heart. After X-ray images confirm they are placed correctly, the incisions are closed. You may have some bruising. You may temporarily feel sore and tender where the port was placed. You may benefit from pain medicine as you heal.

Maintenance

Because your port is under your skin, it will not require a lot of maintenance. Your healthcare team will teach you about your port. They may give you a few tips for keeping the area clean and healthy. Unless there is a problem with your port, it can likely remain in place for the duration of your treatment.