What is a Port-a-Cath catheter?
The Port-a-Cath Catheter, or totally implantable catheter, is composed of a flexible tube (catheter) made of silicone or polyurethane and a reservoir (“port”) of cylindrical or conical shape, usually made of silicone and titanium. Long-term central venous catheters are widely used throughout cancer treatment.
Because the structure of the Port-a-Cath is not visible (as it is implanted), this type of catheter has a lower risk of infection and longer duration compared to semi-implantable catheters.
Applications of Port-a-Cath
Cancer patients undergo various procedures that involve venous puncture, such as collecting laboratory tests and administering chemotherapeutic agents, other drugs, and saline. The use of a Port-a-Cath catheter enables these procedures to be performed without the need to frequently puncture new veins.
Benefits of Port-a-Cath Use in Oncology
The use of the catheter in oncology reduces the pain and anxiety that occur due to the high number of venous punctures or dissections necessary for the infusion of chemotherapeutic agents. Additionally, it offers more freedom and security for the patient to carry out their daily activities.
Other advantages include durability (up to 2,000 punctures), lower probability of infection, and the elimination of the need for dressings, avoiding the occurrence of phlebitis and necrosis due to drug extravasation.
How the Port-a-Cath Catheter is Implanted
The totally implantable catheter is inserted into a larger caliber vein (called the subclavian vein) through a simple surgical procedure, performed by a trained surgeon under local anesthesia. The procedure can last between 30 to 60 minutes, and the patient is released shortly afterward.
The doctor implants the reservoir beneath the skin in the thoracic region. Immediately after the procedure, the catheter is ready for use through puncture using a specific needle for this purpose. This procedure is generally performed by a nurse. It is considered safe, but like any procedure, there can be complications, such as blockage by clots and migration or displacement of the catheter.
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