What Is It?
A Porta cath is a type of implantable venous access device (IVAD) used in medicine to administer chemotherapy, long-term intravenous medications, or to draw blood samples over an extended period. It consists of a catheter attached to a reservoir or port that is implanted under the skin, usually in the upper chest area. This device provides easy access to the bloodstream for medical treatments and reduces the need for repeated needle sticks.
How Is It Treated?
The insertion of a Porta cath is typically performed by an interventional radiologist (IR) in an outpatient setting. Here is a general overview of the steps involved in the insertion procedure:
- Ultrasound Guidance – Ultrasound imaging is used to locate suitable veins for catheter placement.
- Incision – The interventional radiologist makes a small incision in the skin at the chosen insertion site. This incision is typically made just below the collarbone.
- Tunneling – A tunnel is created under the skin from the incision site to the location where the catheter will be placed. This is usually done using a special instrument to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues.
- Catheter Placement – The catheter is then threaded through the tunnel and positioned into a large vein, such as the jugular vein, which leads directly to the heart. Fluoroscopy, a type of real-time X-ray, may be used to guide the catheter placement and ensure proper positioning.
- Port Placement – Once the catheter is in place, the port (reservoir) component of the Porta cath is implanted under the skin. The port is usually placed just below the incision site. It is important to position the port in a way that it can be easily accessed for medication administration or blood draws.
- Closure – The incision site is closed with absorbable strips, and a sterile dressing is applied to the area.
- Verification – After the procedure, the interventional radiologist uses fluoroscopy to confirm the proper placement of the catheter and port.
- Post-Procedure Care – Patients are usually observed for a brief period after the procedure to monitor for any immediate complications. They are given instructions on how to care for the Porta cath site.
How Do I Prep For The Procedure?
The patient is positioned on the procedure table, usually lying flat on their back. The area where the Porta cath will be inserted (often the upper chest) is cleaned and sterilized. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area. Moderate sedation may also be provided to help the patient relax during the procedure.
What Happens After The Procedure?
Overall, the insertion of a Porta cath by an interventional radiologist is a minimally invasive procedure that provides long-term access to the bloodstream for medical treatments, with relatively low risk and a quick recovery time. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications, including bleeding, infection, and catheter misplacement, which the healthcare team will take steps to minimize.
