What is a mediport ?

A mediport is an implantable device, placed under the skin, used to give therapy or withdraw blood.  It is simply a small reservoir with a rubber septum that can be repeatedly punctured with a special type of needle.  There is a tube (catheter) that runs from the reservoir into your vein and the tip of this tube ends at the mid or upper portion of the heart.

 

Why did we do this procedure ?

A mediport is usually placed for patients who need repeated intravenous therapy infusion such as chemotherapy, blood transfusion, intermittent antibiotics, intermittent pain medications, or any other treatment that must be given into the vein.  Often, a mediport is used when there aren’t very good arm veins or when the therapy may cause damage to arm veins.  Mediports are also used to withdraw blood for various tests.

 

General Instructions:

  • Sedation

    • If you received sedation, you should not drive, consume alcohol, operate heavy machinery or make any important decisions for the remainder of the day.

  • Activity

    • You may resume your regular activities (including driving) after 24h, unless you have been restricted for another reason.

    • No exercising, lifting have objects or strenuous activity for the next 24h.

    • You may shower 24 after the procedure.

  • Pain Management

    • You may use over the counter medication such as Acetaminophen (tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil /Motrin) for minor discomfort, unless you are restricted from taking these medications.

    • If you feel that tylenol or advil are not enough for pain control, please contact the Vascular and Interventional Radiology Clinic at 650-404-8445.

  • Diet

    • You can resume your normal diet. Some patients may develop nausea after the sedation. Therefore light meals are recommended until you know that you can eat without problems.

  • Shower

    • You can take a shower tonight. You should not soak the wound in water (eg. bath and swimming pool) for 1 week.

Care at the procedure site:

The incision is closed with internal sutures and a biologic glue. Therefore, the incision is protected and you do not need a dressing. The glue will fall out by itself in 1-2 weeks. You do not need to do anything.

When can the port be used ?

Your port can be used right away. It may be slightly painful to get the access in the port for the first few times, but after that it should improve.

 

What should I watch for?

You may be sore after the procedure, but this should not get worse and should subside in 2-3 days.  During this time, you may take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), Naproxyn (Aleve), Acetaminophen (Tylenol), or other similar over-the-counter medications.  If you develop sudden pain or new swelling, call our office (650) 404-8445 or go to the emergency room if after 5pm or on the weekend.  

 

How is the Mediport used ?

They are accessed with a special needle that is specifically designed to puncture the skin and rubber septum of the mediport (Huber needle).  Using a Huber needle, your mediport should be accessed at least once eevery 8 weeks  and new sterile fluid should be infused into the mediport.  This will keep the mediport free from blood and infection.  If the mediport is being actively used, it can be accessed daily, if needed.

 

The mediports that we place are designed to be used in all situations where IV access is required.   

 

What type of Mediport was used ?

We use a Bard ISP mediport.

Specifically, all of the mediports that we place are:

    1.  Safe to use in an MRI scanner.

    2.  Safe to use for injection of contrast agents during CT or MRI imaging

How long can the port stay in place ?

The port can stay in place as long as you need it. However, it should be removed when you no longer need it, to avoid the risk of an unnecessary infection or formation of blood clots and scarring in the veins. Please call us when you no longer need the port (650.404.8445).

 

How is the port removed ?

The port can be removed with a simple procedure that is performed in the office with local anesthesia. The procedure takes about 10 minutes.

When should you call your physician ?

  • Fever or chills > 101.5 F

  • Worsening of redness or worsening of pain in the procedure area

  • New arm swelling

  • Problems when using the mediport

 

You can reach your Interventional radiologist at 650-404-8446