Port Placement (Implanted Port / Port-a-Cath)

What is an implanted port?

An implanted port (often called a port-a-cath or chemo port) is a small medical device placed under the skin, usually in the upper chest. A thin, soft tube (catheter) runs from the port into a large vein. Nurses can reach the port with a special needle through the skin to give chemotherapy, IV medicines, fluids or nutrition, and to draw blood, without searching for a vein in your arm each time.

Who needs a port?

• Patients starting chemotherapy or other cancer treatment.
• Patients who need long-term IV antibiotics, fluids or nutrition.
• Patients who need frequent blood draws or infusions and have veins that are hard to access.

Port placement

Dr. Guarino places the port through a small incision with local anesthesia and sedation. Imaging is used to confirm the catheter is in the right position, and the incision is closed so the port sits completely under the skin. Port placement is an outpatient (same-day) procedure. Dr. Guarino works with your oncologist or referring doctor so the port is ready when your treatment begins. At your consultation, Dr. Guarino will review your history and test results, answer all of your questions, and discuss what to expect before and after your procedure.

Living with a port

Once the incision heals you can shower and carry on with most normal activities. The port is flushed on a regular schedule by your treatment team to keep it working. When you no longer need it, the port can be removed.

Where your procedure is performed

Dr. Guarino performs procedures on an outpatient (same-day) basis at Murdock Surgery Center. Consultations and follow-up visits take place at the Charlotte Harbor Surgical office in Port Charlotte.