Thread: Port Questions
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Old 09-24-2007, 10:27 PM   #16
Joanne S
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Detroit Metropolitan Area, Michigan
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I have an implanted port in my chest just as shown on my previous post.

I hope you find this information helpful. Best to you.


http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/Central-Venous-Catheters-Topic-Overviewfficeffice"

What is a central venous catheter?>>
A central venous catheter, or vascular access device (VAD), is a long, thin, flexible tube used to give medications, fluids, nutrients, or blood products over a long period of time, usually several weeks or more. The catheter is inserted through the skin into a vein often in the neck or chest. It is threaded through the vein until it reaches a large vein near the heart.>>
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What types of central venous catheters are there?>>
There are several types of central venous catheters.>>

· A PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line is a central venous catheter inserted into a vein in the arm rather than a vein in the neck or chest. >>

· A tunneled catheter is surgically inserted into a vein in the neck or chest and passed under the skin. Only the end of the catheter is brought through the skin through which medications can be given. Passing the catheter under the skin helps keep it in place better, makes it less restrictive of activities, and makes it less visible. >>

· An implanted port is similar to a tunneled catheter but is left entirely under the skin. Medications are injected through the skin into the catheter. Some implanted ports contain a small reservoir that can be refilled in the same way. Once filled, the reservoir slowly releases the medication into the bloodstream. An implanted port is less obvious than a tunneled catheter and requires very little daily care. It has less impact on a person's activities than a PICC or tunneled catheter. >>
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