After Vascular Access Port Implantation 

You just had a procedure called Vascular Access Port Implantation (Infusaport Implantation).  This is a procedure to place (implant) a port under the skin. The port allows medications to be sent straight into your bloodstream. Blood can also be taken or given through the port.  As you recover, follow the instructions below.

Activity

• Sit upright for 4 hours after the procedure.

• Avoid strenuous activity and lifting anything 10 pounds or more with the arm on the side of your body where the port is placed until your follow-up appointment.

Home care

• If you have sutures, do not get your incision wet.

• If you have glue over the incision, you may shower but do not scrub that area. Make sure to pat it completely dry afterwards.   

• Do not swim, bathe, or do other activities that cause water to cover the insertion site.

• If you have sutures, you will be required to keep the incision covered with a bandage. You will need to Change the bandage every 3 days until you go to your follow-up appointment.  If the bandage gets wet, dirty, or falls off replace with a clean bandage right away.

• Always wash your hands before touching your incision and changing your bandage.

• Do not use any lotions, creams, oils, powders or ointments on your incision site or on your neck area.

• If you take medication to thin your blood, ask your health care team when it is safe to start taking again.

   

If you received anesthesia or any type of sedation, follow these instructions for the first 24 hours after the procedure.

• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery. You must have someone else to drive you home.

• Do not drink alcohol.

• Do not make any important decisions or sign legal documents.

• Have someone stay with you.

Follow-up

• You will have a follow-up appointment in 10-14 days with ARU.

• If you have concerns before your follow-up appointment, you may call ARU at (252) 847-4950, Monday - Friday 7am - 5pm.

When to call the doctor

Call your doctor right away for any of the following:

• Fever of 100.1°F (38.3°C)

• The incision site is red, warm, swollen, has drainage coming from it or the incision is open

• You have shoulder pain on the side where the port is located

• You feel a heart flutter or racing heart