Totally Implantable venous ports

As part of care for long-term illnesses such as cancer (chemotherapy) or chronic conditions, you may require ongoing or repeated intravenous (IV) treatments. Such long-term IV access can be facilitated with totally implantable venous port, sometimes also referred to as a "Port-a-Cath" or port. The major advantage of having a port inserted is that you do not require repeat cannulation into an arm vein every time you attend for treatments.

The "port" is a small implanted device located beneath the skin of typically your upper chest or arm. The device has a metal base and a sealed reservoir, which allows access into your veins by simply inserting a needle into the port via the skin. The port can be used for delivering medications such as chemotherapy or antibiotics and also taking blood tests. When no longer required, the port can be removed, leaving a small (approximately 3 cm) scar.

1. Port insertion procedures are performed as a day-case, with "twilight" sedation and local anaesthetic. There is typically minimal pain or discomfort other than the initial “sting” of local anaesthetic and you will be semi-awake during the procedure.
2. The venous port reservoir (small metal disc) is inserted under the skin typically below the clavicle (collar bone) and the tubing is fed into a vein in your lower neck
3. You will have an approximately 3 cm scar at the insertion site typically below your clavicle (collar bone), and commonly a second smaller (<1 cm) scar in your lower neck. These will have dissolvable (resorbable) sutures that do not need to be taken out. 
4. It is best to allow the port site to heal for 3-5 days before use, however it can be used immediately following insertion if need be
5. Once the port is not longer required (i.e., your treatment has finished), the port can be removed. The removal procedure is very similar to the insertion procedure, typically a day-procedure under local anaesthetic.

The overall rate of significant complications during or after venous port insertion is low (<1%), but these may include:

• Dislodgement
• Leakage 
• Infection

Interventional Radiologists (IRs) are highly trained in and regularly perform a larger number of totally implantable venous port insertion and removal procedures in their day-to-day practice, including complex and challenging cases. As a regular part of practice, particular attention is paid to sterile technique and minimisation of infection risk, to provide patients with the best outcomes.

Dr Matthew Lukies

Matthew regular performs venous access procedures in adults and children, and is the primary author of the book chapter on Paediatric Venous Access in the leading international textbook for Interventional Radiologists titled "Image-Guided Interventions."

If you would like to consult with an Interventional Radiologist about venous port placement, please send a referral, including:

• Reason for requiring venous port insertion
• Estimated duration of treatment using the port
• Past medical history

Public eligible patients can undergo the treatment with no out-of-pocket expense in the public system.