A port is a unit implanted under the skin to give access to a large vein.
It can be used to deliver chemotherapies that are too dangerous to give through small veins.
This article explains what ports are, how they’re used, and their potential benefits.
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What Is a Port?
The port is made of two parts: the portal and the catheter.
The portal is a small, heart-shaped drum.
The top of the drum is made of self-sealing silicone so aHuber needlecan puncture it.
The remainder of the drum is plastic.
Some people may have a port with two portals or drums.
Although completely under the skin, the portal will appear as a small bump on the chest.
The catheter is a thin plastic tube attached to the bottom of the portal.
The port allows for the safe and easy delivery of medications, as well as the withdrawal of blood.
There are no tubes or catheters outside the body when the port is not used.
Once the surgical site is healed, swimming, bathing, and showering are allowed.
Who Gets Ports?
You and youroncologist(cancer doctor) will decide together whether you need a port.
Factors to consider are:
Not everyone who receives cancer treatment needs a port.
Some cancer medications are safe to infuse into the veins of your arms.
Your oncology nurse will assess the veins in your arms to determine if you need a port.
Benefits
The biggest benefit of a port is safety.
Making sure chemotherapy is being administered in the safest way is reassuring for you and your oncology team.
Ports are also easy to use.
There is no difficulty trying to find a vein.
A clear dressing is placed over the Huber needle to protect it while it’s left in place.
How Is the Port Used?
Cleaning the skin with an alcohol solution helps decrease infections.
The nurse will wear a mask during this procedure and use sterile supplies that are free from microorganisms.
You shouldn’t cough or breathe on your skin during this process.
Turning your head to the opposite side is helpful.
Summary
A port is a unit implanted under the skin to give access to a large vein.
They are used when a person needs frequent blood draws or IV medications.
They are also used to administer chemotherapy drugs that are too dangerous to give through small veins.
Their main benefit is safety, and they can be left in place long-term.
A Word From Verywell
Being diagnosed with cancer and needing chemotherapy can be scary and stressful.
In addition, having a port can alleviate the worry of being poked numerous times.
Many people, however, enjoy the ease of having a port and keep them in for years.
All registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and doctors can draw blood from ports.
Other clinical staff, like phlebotomists, may need a special certification to draw blood from a port.
Each state and organization has its own rules about who can access ports.
Sometimes a small blood clot called a fibrin sheath forms at the tip of the port’s catheter.
This clot prevents blood from being withdrawn from the port.
The port machine catheter can also become twisted or improperly positioned, preventing a blood return.
Drawing blood from your port hurts about the same as having blood drawn from your arm.
Placing ice over your port site 10 minutes before the puncture can alleviate some of the discomfort.
Numbing cream is available by prescription if you find your port puncture too painful.
Nurse.org.What is a port-a-cath?.
American Cancer Society.Intravenous (IV) Lines, catheters, and ports used in cancer treatment.
