Implanted Ports | Dr. Saurabh Mohite

Your doctor has recommended a Bard® Access Systems Implanted Port for you because your treatment requires frequent delivery of medications directly into your bloodstream

The information contained in this booklet will help you understand and answer questions that you may have regarding the Bard® Access Implanted Ports.

THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED TO YOU AS A REFERENCE. YOUR DOCTOR AND NURSE ARE STILL YOUR BEST SOURCES OF INFORMATION. ANY QUESTIONS THAT YOU HAVE SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THEM. ALWAYS FOLLOW THEIR DIRECTIONS CONCERNING THE USE AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR IMPLANTED PORT

What is a Bard® implanted Port?

A Bard® implanted port is a device which is used to deliver medications into the bloodstream. The word implanted refers to the fact that the device is placed completely beneath the skin. The port will be visible merely as a small "raised area" beneath your skin. Daily care is generally not required and it does not affect your normal activities. The port is made from special medical grade materials designed for safe long-term use in the human body. A Bard® Implanted Port is a small disk about 1½ inches in diameter. The port has a raised center or septum which is made from a self-sealing rubber material.

The septum is where the needle is inserted for delivery of medication. The medication is carried from the port into the bloodstream through a small flexible tube called a catheter. Implanted Ports are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Your Physician has chosen the Bard® Implanted Port which is most appropriate for your body size and therapy

How is the Port Placed?1,2

The Bard® lmplanted Port is placed during a brief surgical operation that usually is performed under local anesthesia. You may even be allowed to return home on the same day

Where is the Port Placed?1

Your doctor will place the port just beneath your skin, and insert the end of the catheter into the blood vessel that has been selected to receive the medication. Your doctor will locate the port in a position most suitable for your treatment. Frequently the port is placed on the upper chest in an area just below the collarbone.

How Does the Port Work?1

Once the port is placed beneath the skin, it is ready to be used for easy delivery of medication into the bloodsteram. The venous port also provides an easy method for collecting blood samples. When a medical treatment or blood sample is needed, a special needle is placed through the septum of the port which connects to the catheter. For most patients there is only a mild pricking sensation felt during needle insertion. Frequently, the sensation of the needle insertion decreases overtime

Care of your Port1

During the first few days after receiving the port, it will be important to avoid any heavy exertion and to follow any special instructions the doctor gives for care of the small incision. Once the incision has healed, you will not have to take any special care of the port and can resume your normal daily activities.

Use of your Port1

The port can be used to deliver medication in two ways. One method called bolus injection delivers the medication all at once with the needle left in place only for a short time. The other method is a slow delivery of medication called a continuous infusion. For this type of medication, a dressing will usually be placed over the needle to hold it in the port for a longer time and a small tube will connect it to the medication source. After each treatment, and occasionally between treatments if the port is not used often, the port and catheter are flushed with a special solution. If your doctor has asked you to help with these procedures, you will receive special training and additional information

Will the port affect my normal daily activities?1,2

For the first few days after you receive the port, try to avoid strenuous activities. Once your incision heals, you should be able to resume normal daily activities such as bathing, swimming, or jogging while the port is not in use. Your doctor and nurse are the best persons to answer any questions about specific activities and the appropriate time to resume them

Will I need to wear a bandage over the Port?1,2

A bandage will be required until your incision heals. Once healing has occurred, a bandage is not required if the port is not being used. If you are receiving continuous infusion of fluids, a bandage may be applied to stabilize and protect the needle while it is in place

Do I have to avoid wearing certain types of clothing?1,2

Your doctor or nurse are the best persons to consult since the answer will vary according to where the port is placed. Clothing such as suspenders or certain types of bra straps may need to be avoided

What do I do if I have a question or suspect a

problem?1,2

Remember that following the surgery, you will experience some redness and tenderness in the area of the incision which normally subsides in the first 24 to 48 hours. However, contact your doctor or nurse if you notice unusual changes in the skin area over the port such as increased swelling, redness, or soreness. If you experience pain, fever, chills, shortness of breath or dizziness, contact your doctor immediately

What do I do if my doctor or nurse is unavailable?1,2

You will be provided with a wallet-sized Medical Alert Identification Card that contains important information about the port. With this information, other qualified medical personnel will be able to provide assistance.

Will the port activate security alarms?1,2

Security systems will most likely not detect the small amount of metal in the port. If it does occur, simply show your Medical Alert Identification Card.

How long will I have my port?1,2

The port can stay in place as long as your doctor feels you need it.

Can the port be removed if I no longer need it?1

Yes. The port can be surgically removed by your doctor in a procedure similar to the one used to initially implant the port.

Can I get an MRI procedure with a Port in place?3

Yes. You may get an MRI with this device. There may be some specific conditions for your device. Be sure your clinician checks the MRI guidelines for the device.

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