After Vascular Access Port Implantation

You just had a procedure called Vascular Access Port Implantation, also called Infusaport Implantation. This is a procedure to place (implant) a port under the skin. The port allows medications or nutrition to be sent straight into your bloodstream. Blood can also be taken or given through the port. During the procedure, a long, thin tube called a catheter was threaded into one of your large veins. The tube is then attached to the port. This usually sits under the skin of the chest and causes a small bump. As you recover, follow the instructions below.

Activity

• Sit upright for 4 hours after the procedure.

• Limit your activity as instructed by your doctor

Home care

• Follow your doctor's directions carefully for incision site/wound care.

• Keep the incision site clean and dry. Ask when you can return to showering.

• Don’t swim, bathe, or do other activities that cause water to cover the insertion site.

• Always wash your hands before touching your incision.

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

• Always flush the port whenever anyone uses it. Flush it with normal saline and pack it with Heparin. You should receive instruction on the proper technique for flushing the port.

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 will need someone else to drive you home.

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

Follow-up

You will have a follow-up appointment in about 10 days.

When to call your doctor

Call your doctor right away for any of the following:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C)

• You cannot access or use the port properly

• You cannot flush the port or get a blood return

• The skin near the port is red, warm, swollen, or broken

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

• You feel a heart flutter or racing heart