PortaCath Insertion
What is a portacath?
A portacath is a type of central venous catheter. It is made up of two main parts which are the portal and the catheter. The portal is a small reservoir compartment, the top of which is called the septum. The septum is made of self-sealing silicone rubber into which a special needle can be inserted. The septum can be punctured up to one thousand times and therefore can be used for many years. The portal is connected to the catheter, which is a thin, flexible tube.
The portal is implanted under the skin, usually in the upper chest, or occasionally in the upper arm. The catheter then runs under the skin and enters the large vein in the lower neck (internal jugular vein). The portacath is completely internal and cannot be seen outside of the skin. Occasionally, a bump can be seen on the chest wall where the portal is sited - this depends on patient size and also on the size of the portacath implanted.
Portacaths can be made from titanium or plastic. The type and size of your portacath will be decided upon by your doctors and depends on the type of treatment you will be receiving.
How is a portacath used?
The person trained to use a portacath will locate the portal reservoir (which is under your skin) with their fingers. The area will be disinfected before the portacath is accessed by using a special type of needle. This needle is designed so that it does not damage the portacath septum. Blood is sucked back to check that the portacath is functioning normally, before the system is flushed with saline. After this, treatment can be given. After this, treatment can be given. After each use, the Portacath is flushed with saline to prevent clotting.
When the needle is inserted through the skin into the portacath, you will feel a pricking sensation. This sensation should decrease over time.
Why do I need to have a portacath?
Your treatment includes fluids or medications that need to be delivered into the bloodstream on a regular basis. portacaths are often used when giving medications for patients whose veins are difficult to locate, or for those on long term treatment or therapy. Also, your portacath can be used to withdraw the blood samples needed to monitor your progress.
What will happen on my procedure day?
You will be admitted onto one of the hospital wards as a day-case patient.
You will be asked to put on a hospital gown. One of the doctors / nurses on the ward will need to place a small cannula (hollow tube) into a vein in the back of your hand or your arm. This will allow medications needed before, during and after your procedure to be given to you.
You will be brought to the special procedure room in the X-ray department on your bed. After the procedure, you will be transferred back to the hospital ward where you were admitted to at the start of the day for the remainder of your recovery period. Most patients are usually able to go home later on the same day after their procedure.
