What Is a Chest Port?
A chest port, also known as an implanted port, is a small medical device placed beneath the skin of the upper chest and connected to a blood vessel. It provides healthcare providers with reliable access to a vein for administering medications, fluids, blood transfusions, or drawing blood.
An implanted chest port consists of two main components:
Port Reservoir
The reservoir is the body of the port and sits just beneath the skin of the upper chest. It serves as the access point for medications and blood draws. A soft silicone top, known as the septum, allows needles to be inserted easily. This process is referred to as accessing the port.Catheter
The catheter is a thin, flexible tube that connects the reservoir to the bloodstream. One end attaches to the port reservoir, while the other rests in a large vein near the heart, allowing medications and fluids to circulate efficiently.
Who May Need a Chest Port?
A chest port may be recommended for patients who require frequent or long-term intravenous access. Common reasons for port placement include:
- Cancer treatment requiring chemotherapy
- Infections requiring long-term intravenous antibiotics
- Frequent blood draws or repeated IV medication administration
Chest ports are typically placed one to two inches below the right collarbone. They are available in different sizes and configurations and may have one or two access points. In some cases, specialized high-flow ports are used for treatments such as plasmapheresis. Your physician will select the most appropriate port based on your treatment needs.
Types of Fibroids
Intramural Fibroids
Common type, grow within the muscular wall of the uterus, causing uterine enlargement.
Subserosal Fibroids
Create a bulge and pressure on surrounding organs on the uterus’s outer surface.
Submucosal Fibroids
Develop beneath the inner lining, protruding into the uterine cavity, leading to heavy menstrual bleeding.
Pedunculated Fibroids
Grow on a stalk inside or outside the uterus, causing symptoms based on location.
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Menstrual Irregularities
Weighty and prolonged periods, longer or more frequent menstrual cycles, pelvic pressure or pain during periods.
Urinary and Digestive Issues
Frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation
Abdominal Changes
Growing stomach area
Pain and Discomfort
Pain in the stomach area or lower back, discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Serious Complications (Rare)
Sudden, severe pain if fibroids outgrow their blood supply and begin to die.
FAQ
1. How to Prepare for Port Placement?
Patients should not eat or drink for at least six hours prior to the procedure. Most regular medications may be continued with a small sip of water unless otherwise instructed.
Please provide a complete list of medications and supplements you are taking, including any blood thinners, as some may need to be temporarily stopped. Blood tests may be ordered before the procedure to ensure it is safe to proceed.
Because sedating medications are used, you must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure. On the day of your appointment, wear comfortable clothing and a top that is easy to remove. If you wear a bra, choose one you wear regularly so the port can be positioned comfortably beneath the strap.