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Port-a-Cath
What is a Port-a-Cath?
A port-a-cath is a special type of intravenous device that is implanted underneath the skin to provide intravenous access for chemotherapy, medications, and blood transfusion. It is made up of two parts a soft thin hollow plastic tube called a catheter and a port or disc which is inserted into the chest and is attached to the catheter. The catheter tip will lie in a vein just above your heart and the other end connects to the port in the chest.
You may be referred to one of the surgeons for a port-a-cath insertion if you require frequent, long-term intravenous therapy and/or are having difficulty with other types of intravenous access such as PICC lines.
For further information about Port-a-Cath Insertion, please see attached handout
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