Running head: PORT-A-CATH
Port-a-Cath placement and Nursing Considerations
Shannon Christopher
Indiana State University
NURS 208
Prof. Julie Fine
30 November 2006
Port-a-Cath placement and Nursing Considerations
The Port-a-Cath (also known as Mediport), is a intravenous access device surgically implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of the chest, and gives access to either the superior vena cava, subclavian vein or jugular vein (http://www.breastcancer.org/tre_sys_chemo_ports.html). The need for this device has increased over the last few years due to the more complicated treatment protocols, reduced risk of infection, and the increase in patient comfort. The indications for the Port-a-Cath varies from administering parenteral nutrition and continuing blood sampling, but the main use is for administering chemotherapy (Lilienberg, 1994). The procedure for insertion is done on an outpatient basis (as is removal), typically under general anesthesia. The nurse who has a patient with a port-a-cath must: know the procedures for catheter care, be aware of the possible risks involved with such a device, and have information available for patient and family teaching.
The device itself consists of a catheter (inserted into the chosen vein), which leads to a reservoir made of plastic, titanium, or stainless steel with a silicon bubble portal for needle insertion. The special type of needle required is called a Huber needle. When healed, the catheter raises the skin approximately 1-3 cm (A-Rahman, Spencer, 2003). This type of indwelling catheter is becoming more preferred over PICC lines and Hickman catheters because of the reduction of local infection (-3%), decreased incident of systemic sepsis (-18%), and decreased complications that required removal of the device (-18%) (Shaw, Douglas, Wilson, 1988). Also, patient surveys have shown that 86.2% patients preferred the port-a-cath method, 68.8% reported that it was not disturbing...