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Implanted Venous Access Ports
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
These ports are used to deliver a variety of medications
and nutritional liquids directly into one of the body's major
veins. Delivery of fluids to the port requires a special type
of needle (Huber needle) that is bent at a 90-degree angle. The
most uncomfortable part of the procedure is penetration of the
skin above the port. This discomfort is only temporary, since
the skin will eventually become less sensitive from frequent
punctures.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
When you need to access the port at home, be sure
that you, or the person doing it, washes his or her hands
thoroughly.
-
Wash the port area with soap and water, then clean it
with povidine-iodine and alcohol. If you are allergic to
povidine-iodine, use alcohol alone.
-
Connect the extension tube to the needle and a
10-milliliter syringe filled with normal saline. Force the
air out of the tubing by flushing it with a small amount of
the normal saline. Clamp the tubing.
-
Hold the port with the thumb and forefinger and
insert the needle until the tip touches the back of the
port surface. Do not tilt or rock the needle. Secure the
needle with a clear or gauze bandage and
tape.
-
Open the clamp and pull back on the syringe until you
get a blood return. Then flush the port with the normal
saline to be sure that fluid flows through the system.
Clamp the tube and remove the syringe.
-
Next, connect the tubing or syringe containing the
fluids or medicine to be administered. Open the clamp and
infuse the fluids or medicine.
-
When you are finished, clamp the extension tube,
remove your tubing or syringe and connect a 10 milliliter
syringe filled with normal saline to the extension tube.
Open the clamp and flush the port with the normal saline.
Clamp the extension tubing and remove the
syringe.
-
Flush the system with 5 milliliters of heparinized
saline solution (you'll receive instructions) and remove
the syringe. Put a small gauze bandage over the
port.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You notice redness, swelling, or tenderness in the
port area.
-
You develop swelling in the face and neck, and feel
pain in the shoulder, arms, and neck.
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