Mediport placement and Removal
What is a Mediport?
A Mediport is a medical device implanted beneath the skin that provides a means for healthcare providers to access a patient's veins for the purpose of delivering medications or fluids, or obtaining blood samples.
What is the Purpose of a Mediport placement?
A Mediport placement is done when a patient requires long-term or frequent intravenous treatments, such as chemotherapy, blood transfusions, or intravenous nutrition.
Preparation for Mediport Placement
Preparation for the procedure involves the following:
- Inform your healthcare provider about any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking. Some medications might need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped before the procedure.
- You may be instructed to avoid eating or drinking for a specified period before the procedure; this is to prevent complications related to anesthesia.
- On the day of the procedure, you may be asked to shower with a special antibacterial soap to reduce the risk of infection. Follow any instructions provided by your healthcare team.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the upper chest area. This will make it easier for the healthcare team during the procedure.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
How is a Mediport Placed?
The procedure is typically performed in an operating room or radiology suite. You may be given local anesthesia, and a small incision is made usually on the upper chest area. The port, a small reservoir with a catheter attached, is positioned under the skin, and the catheter is threaded into a large vein, often the superior vena cava.
How is the Mediport Used?
Mediport use involves the following steps:
- Accessing the Port: To use the Mediport, a healthcare professional accesses it by inserting a special needle through the skin and into the port's septum (a self-sealing silicone membrane on the top of the port). The needle pierces the septum and provides a pathway into the port's reservoir.
- Delivering Medications and Treatments: Once the needle is inserted, medications, fluids, chemotherapy drugs, blood products, or other treatments can be administered directly into the port's reservoir. The catheter attached to the port is positioned inside a major vein (often the superior vena cava), allowing the injected substance to be rapidly diluted and distributed throughout the body.
- Blood Draws: Healthcare providers can also use the Mediport to draw blood samples for diagnostic tests without the need for additional needle sticks. The port's easy accessibility makes this process less painful and less stressful for the patient.
- Removal of the Needle and Dressing: Once the treatment or blood draw is complete, the needle is removed from the port. A sterile dressing is applied over the needle insertion site to protect it and prevent infection.
How is a Mediport Cared for After Placement?
Patients are typically educated on how to clean and care for the area around the port. Flushing the port with a heparin or saline solution may be necessary to prevent blockages. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers are scheduled to ensure proper function.
How is a Mediport Removed?
When the need for intravenous treatments diminishes or ends, the port can be removed. Removal is performed under local anesthesia. A small incision is made over the port, and the catheter is gently withdrawn. The port itself is then lifted out from beneath the skin.
Are there any Risks or Complications associated with Mediports?
While generally safe, there are risks such as infection, bleeding, blood clots, and damage to surrounding structures during placement or removal. Regular care and maintenance are required to prevent infections and mitigate complications.
What are the Benefits of using a Mediport?
Mediports offer several advantages, including reduced discomfort during intravenous treatments, decreased risk of damaging veins, and a lower risk of infections compared to external catheters. They also allow patients to maintain a more normal appearance, as the port is concealed under the skin.