Mediport

Implantable Vascular Access Ports (Mediport®)

Overview

A Mediport® is a device that is implanted under your skin so that medications may be delivered directly into your blood system. The Mediport® is designed for safe, long-term use in your body. It can stay in place permanently if necessary. When not in use, the only care a port requires is flushing once a month with a solution of heparin and saline to prevent blood clots from forming inside the line and causing a blockage.

The round part of the device that can be felt under the skin is called the reservoir. When the port is “accessed”, a special needle is placed through the skin into the reservoir through a plastic membrane called a septum. The raised “septum” is made from a self-sealing rubber, which allows repeated injections into the port so that you do not need to get injected directly into the skin or have an IV (intravenous) line inserted each time you require medication.

You may also hear the terms Port-A-Cath®, Infuse-A-Port®, or other similar terms, these are other products that serve similar functions.

How Does the Port Work?

The port can be used to deliver medication (arterial port) or draw a blood sample (venous port) by inserting a special needle into the port. The needle connects to the catheter inside the port; the other end of the catheter is located inside a fairly large blood vessel. 

Care Instructions

• You will need to take care of the small incision that results from implanting your Mediport® for the first few days. 
• Do not lift heavy objects and avoid heavy exertion and contact sports until the area is healed.
• During the first week after implantation – and anytime the port is accessed – it is very important to keep it dry. Cover the area surrounding your port with a double layer of plastic wrap when showering and tape the edges down. 
• For the first TWO weeks – and anytime the port is accessed - do not submerge the port in water (pool, bath, or hot tub)
• The incision will be bandaged until the incision heals. The incision should be covered with gauze every day for the first sever days.
• Once the incision heals, the port requires no special care, you do not need a bandage, and you can resume your normal activity level when the port is not in use.
• After the first week, be sure to clean the incisions with soap and water, letting the sterile tape get wet. The tape will loosen and eventually fall off – but do not pull on the tape before it is loose.

How Long Will I Have My Port?

Your Mediport® can stay in place for as long as it is medically necessary. When you no longer need it, your doctor will remove it in a procedure similar to when it was put in.

What If I Suspect a Problem?

You will most likely have some redness/soreness around the incision for 1-2 days after your Mediport® is implanted. Should it last beyond this time, please call your doctor or nurse.

You should also call your doctor immediately if you have:

• Swelling, or increasing redness or soreness in the incision area
• Pain
• Fever
• Chills
• Shortness of Breath
• Dizziness
• Bleeding around the incision or port (after the 2^nd day)
• Bleeding that soaks a gauze (at any time)