Implanted Venous Access Port

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Risks

IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE HOSPITAL...

Before You Go

• The Week Before the Procedure:
• You'll probably need to stop taking aspirin and ibuprofen; the doctor will tell you when. If you're taking aspirin for your heart, don't stop without asking the doctor first. Also ask whether you can take any over-the-counter medicines.
• Your doctor will tell you whether you need to have blood drawn for tests.
• The Night Before the Procedure:
• Your physician may suggest you take a sleeping pill.
• Just before surgery, you should not eat or drink anything (even water). Your doctor will tell you when to begin fasting.

When You Arrive

• Check with your doctor before taking insulin, diabetes pills, blood pressure medicine, heart pills, or any other medication on the day of surgery.
• Do not wear contact lenses to the hospital. You may wear glasses.

What to Expect While You're There

• Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is taken by wrapping a cuff around your arm.
• Blood Tests: You may need blood taken for tests. It can be drawn from a vein in your hand or from the bend in your elbow. Several samples may be needed.
• Chest X-ray: The doctor will check this picture of your lungs and heart to make sure there are no problems that will interfere with the procedure.
• Heart Monitor: (Also called an electrocardiogram [e-LEK-tro-KAR-di-o-gram] or EKG). Typically, three to five sticky pads are placed on different parts of your body. Each pad has a wire that is hooked to a TV-type screen or to a small portable box (telemetry unit) that shows a tracing of each heartbeat.
• IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to it.
• Pulse Oximeter: With a little clip connected to your ear, finger, or toe, this machine measures the oxygen in your blood.
• Local Anesthesia: You'll receive a pain-killing injection in the collarbone area, and will remain awake during the procedure.

During the Procedure:

After the Procedure

• Oxygen: At times during your stay, your body may need extra oxygen. It is given either through a plastic mask over your mouth and nose or through nasal prongs. If the oxygen dries out your nose or the nasal prongs bother you, tell your nurse, but don't take off the oxygen on your own.
• Activity: When you first move your neck and shoulder, they may feel a little stiff or sore. However, you can perform all your normal activities.
• Medicines:
• Antibiotics: These medicines help prevent bacterial infection. They may be given by IV, as a shot, or by mouth.
• Blood Thinners: These drugs keep clots from forming in the bloodstream and causing a stroke. They may first be given in your IV. Later, they may be given by mouth or as a shot.
• Pain Medicine: To ease pain after the operation, your doctor will probably prescribe medication to be given by IV, as a shot, or by mouth. Tell the doctor or your nurses if the pain won't go away or keeps coming back.

After You Leave:

• Always take your medicine exactly as directed. If it doesn't seem to help, let the doctor know, but keep taking it until told otherwise. If you've been prescribed antibiotics, be sure to use them up, even if you're feeling better. If a medicine makes you drowsy, avoid driving or using dangerous machinery.
• Any pain, swelling, and soreness should subside in a day or two. For pain or swelling, you may put ice in a plastic bag, cover it with a towel, and place it over the area for 15 to 20 minutes out of every hour as long as necessary. Do not sleep on the ice pack. Treatment with ice is most effective when started right after the operation and used for 24 to 48 hours.
• After the first 24 to 48 hours you may use heat for pain or swelling. Apply a heating pad (turned on low) or a hot water bottle, or sit in a warm water bath for 15 to 20 minutes out of every hour as long as you need relief. Do not sleep on the heating pad or hot water bottle. Heat brings blood to the area of the operation and helps it heal faster.
• When you are allowed to bathe or shower, carefully wash the stitches or staples with soap and water. Then put on a clean, new bandage. Change your bandage any time it gets wet or dirty.
• The catheter will have to be flushed periodically to prevent it from clogging. Your doctor will tell you how often this is necessary and what you should flush with.

Call Your Doctor If...

• The area is swollen and red, or you see any pus. These are signs of infection.
• Your face or neck becomes swollen.
• Pain in your shoulder, arms, and neck persists or gets worse.
• You are running a high temperature.
• You are having difficulty getting medicines into the catheter.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• You feel chest pain. This might be a sign of a blood clot or a heart attack.
• You have trouble breathing or your skin gets pale or turns blue. Air may have gotten into the catheter. If this happens:
• • Clamp the catheter.
  • Lie down on your left side with your head down and your feet raised.
  • Call 911 or 0 (operator) to get to the nearest hospital or clinic. Do not drive yourself!