Portacath Placement
Cost: $3,897 USD
Type of procedure: Outpatient surgery
What is Portacath Placement?
Portacath placement (also known as a venous access port or subcutaneous port) is a procedure in which a device is implanted under the skin, usually in the chest area. This port allows direct access to the bloodstream and is primarily used to administer treatments on a recurring basis, such as chemotherapy, transfusions, or parenteral nutrition, without the need to insert a needle into the veins each time.
The Portacath BARD is a high-quality device that makes treatments easier and reduces patient discomfort. Placement is performed through a minor outpatient surgery, allowing the patient to return home the same day.
Includes
- Medical Team
Procedure performed by a team of surgeons specialized in vascular access and medical devices, ensuring safe and precise implantation.
- Laboratory
Complete pre-surgical studies to evaluate the patient’s general health status and ensure that he or she is fit for the procedure.
- Office
Includes imaging studies such as chest X-ray and fluoroscopy. These exams allow the medical team to visualize the implantation area and guide the placement of the device accurately.
- Portacath BARD
The implanted device is a Portacath BARD, recognized for its durability and reliability for recurrent vascular access.
- Preoperative Assessment by Internal Medicine + EKG
Detailed evaluation performed by an internist and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to ensure that the patient is in optimal condition for surgery.
- Postoperative Visits
Post-procedure follow-up to monitor healing and verify the correct position and functioning of the Portacath.
Preparing for surgery
For Portacath placement, your medical team may recommend:
- Fasting for at least 6 hours before the procedure.
- Discontinuation of certain medications, especially anticoagulants, to minimize the risk of bleeding.
- Wearing comfortable, loose clothing to facilitate access to the area of the chest where the implantation will take place.
Recovery
Recovery from a portacath placement is generally quick because it is a minimally invasive procedure. After the procedure, it is recommended to:
- Avoid lifting heavy objects or straining the arm on the side where the Portacath was placed for at least 1 to 2 weeks.
- Keep the incision area clean and dry, following the instructions of the medical team to prevent infection.
- Attend follow-up visits to ensure proper functioning of the device and resolve any questions.
Patients usually adapt quickly to using the Portacath and can return to normal activities within a few days, with some limitations in terms of physical effort.
Risks and Complications
Although Portacath placement is safe, there are some potential risks, such as:
- Infection at the incision site or around the device, which may require antibiotic treatment or, in rare cases, removal of the device.
- Displacement or malfunction of the device, which may require adjustment or replacement.
- Formation of blood clots around the device, which is controlled with blood thinners if necessary.
The medical team provides comprehensive monitoring to minimize these risks and ensure that the device functions optimally.