Download Port Placement

Page 1 of 4 The Johns Hopkins Hospital Patient Information Implanted Port Placement What is an
implanted
port?
What will
happen
during the
procedure?
Original Date 9/09 Oncology Revised/ Reviewed 5/13 An implanted port is a device that is placed under your skin to
provide intravenous (I.V.) access for chemotherapy, medications,
and transfusions. It is made up of a small reservoir and a catheter
that provides access to your larger veins. Implanted port
placement is very common for patients who need long term I.V
access.
©Thomson Reuters 2010
This procedure takes place in Interventional Radiology. You will
be given medicines to help you relax. For the port placement, 2
incisions are made; one in the chest wall and one near the
collarbone. A needle will be inserted into the skin, creating a
tunnel. The port is placed in the tunnel with the tip of the catheter
in a large vein near the heart. The room and instruments will be
sterile. The radiology equipment will help the surgeon find the
correct location for the port placement. You will be watched by a
physician and nurse before, during and after the procedure.
How long
does the
procedure
take?
The procedure usually takes 1-2 hours.
What do I
need to do to
prepare for
the
treatment?
You will have labs drawn a few days before to be sure your
platelets and clotting factors are normal. You should not eat after
midnight prior to the surgery because of the medicines you will be
given to help you relax. If you are on anticoagulants (like
Coumadin or Lovenox), your doctor or nurse will let you know
when you should stop them and when you can start taking them
again.
0861 ©2009 The Johns Hopkins Hospital Page 2 of 4 The Johns Hopkins Hospital Patient Information Implanted Port Placement What can I
expect after
the treatment
is over?
Original Date 9/09 Oncology Revised/ Reviewed 5/13 You will have some soreness and/or tenderness at the incision
site and port area. You may feel drowsy from the medicine. You
will have a skin glue put on the incision site to keep it from
opening. Do not try to peel it off. You may gently clean the area
with chlorhexidine, but do not scrub the area or the glue may
come off. Do not use alcohol on it for 10 days. You may shower.
When it is time to use the port, a nurse will connect to it with a
special needle. The port needs to be flushed monthly by your
nurse if it is not being used. It is important that you keep track of
the dates your port is flushed on the chart on the last page.
Are there side After the procedure, you may feel drowsy from the medicines you
effects from
were given. You must have someone with you to drive you home
the
after the procedure.
procedure?
What do I
need to report
to my nurse
or doctor after
the procedure
is over?
● Report drainage from the incision site. Let them know the
amount and color.
● Report any fevers or feeling of chills to the nurse or doctor.
Fevers and chills can mean an infection.
● Report new swelling and pain. The area will be sore for a few
days following the procedure, but that should improve. If pain and
swelling continue, tell your nurse or doctor.
0861 ©2009 The Johns Hopkins Hospital Page 3 of 4 The Johns Hopkins Hospital Patient Information Implanted Port Placement Original Date 9/09 Oncology Revised/ Reviewed 5/13 Date
Time
Name of Person Flushing
0861 ©2009 The Johns Hopkins Hospital Page 4 of 4 0861 ©2009 The Johns Hopkins Hospital