What is an implanted port?

An implanted port is a device placed, in most cases, under the skin of your chest below your collarbone. It is made of plastic, stainless steel, or titanium. The port is usually about the size of a quarter, but thicker. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter runs under the skin from the port into a large vein. A silicone bubble (septum) is in the centre of the port.

An implanted port is a type of central venous catheter, or central venous line.

The port is used to give you medicine, blood products, nutrients, or fluids over a long period of time. You may have it for weeks, months, or longer. The port also can be used to draw blood for tests. The port makes doing these things more comfortable for you.

A needle is used to put fluid into the port. You will only feel a mild prick. Some implanted ports contain a small reservoir that can be filled with the medicine or fluid. The reservoir slowly releases the medicine into the bloodstream. A special needle (called a Huber needle) may stay in the port for a short time.

Your doctor will give you medicine to make you sleep or feel relaxed. Your doctor will then thread the catheter up a vein in your neck or chest to a larger vein and put the port in. The port will remain just under your skin. It looks like a small bump under the skin.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

What happens before the procedure?

Having a procedure can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect and how to safely prepare for your procedure.

Preparing for the procedure

• Bring a list of questions to ask your doctors. It is important that you understand exactly what procedure is planned, the risks, benefits, and other options before your procedure.
• Tell your doctors ALL the medicines and natural health products you take. Some of these can increase the risk of bleeding or interact with anesthesia. Your doctor will tell you which medicines to take or stop before your procedure.
• If you take blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin, be sure to talk to your doctor. He or she will tell you if you should stop taking these medicines before your procedure. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
• You may need to stop taking certain medicines a week or more before your procedure, so talk to your doctor as soon as you can.
• Before your procedure, you may speak with an anesthesia provider to discuss your anesthetic options, including the risks, benefits, and alternatives to each. This may be on the phone or in person.

Taking care of yourself before the procedure

• Build healthy habits into your life. Changes are best made several weeks before the procedure, since your body may react to sudden changes in your habits.
  • Stay as active as you can.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Cut back or quit alcohol and tobacco.
• If you have an advance care plan, let your doctor know. If you do not have one, you may want to prepare one so your doctor and loved ones know your health care wishes. Doctors recommend that everyone prepare these papers before a procedure, regardless of the type of procedure or condition.

What happens on the day of the procedure?

• Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking, or your procedure may be cancelled. If your doctor has instructed you to take your medicines on the day of the procedure, please do so using only a sip of water.
• Take a bath or shower before you come in for your procedure. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.
• Remove all jewellery, piercings, and contact lenses.
• Leave your valuables at home.

At the hospital or surgery centre

• Bring a picture ID.
• A small tube (IV) may be placed in a vein, to give you fluids and medicine to help you relax.
• You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. The anesthesia may range from making you fully asleep, to simply numbing the area being worked on. This will depend on the procedure you are having, as well as a discussion between your doctor, the anesthesia provider, and you.
• The procedure will take about 1 hour.
• As you wake up in the recovery room, the nurse will check to be sure you are stable and comfortable. It is important for you to tell your doctor and nurse how you feel and ask questions about any concerns you may have.

Going home

• Be sure you have someone to drive you home.
• For your safety, you should not drive until you are no longer taking pain medicines, and you can move and react easily.
• You will be told how to use and care for the implanted port.
• You will be given more specific instructions about recovering from your procedure, including activity and when you may return to work.

When should you call your doctor?

• You have questions or concerns.
• You don't understand how to prepare for your procedure.
• You become ill before the procedure (such as fever, flu, or a cold).
• You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about having the procedure.