Mediport Placement

Medical port, also known as Mediport, port, port-a-cath, infuse-a-port, power-port, and micro-port, is a totally implantable device allowing for long-term intravenous access.  They are placed during a minor surgical procedure and allow for easy and reliable administration of various medications and infusions. At Vascular & Interventional Specialists, elite specialists Benjamin Wilson, DO, and John Yoo, MD, and the team offer MediPort placement on an outpatient basis. To find out if you’re a candidate for a MediPort, call the Fort Worth, Texas, office or book your appointment with the provided online tool now.

What is a MediPort?

A medical Port is a totally implantable medical device, meaning that it is completely under the skin. These devices allow for safe and reliable delivery of medications, infusions, and transfusions directly into the venous system. It can also allow your medical providers to take blood samples safely and easily.

What are the parts of a MediPort device?

A port is a small medical device containing a couple of main parts. The reservoir, about the size of a quarter, goes under the skin in your upper chest.

The top of the reservoir has a septum or diaphragm, which is slightly raised. It’s made of a self-sealing rubber that allows needle insertion.

The device also has a long, thin tube, called a catheter, that goes into a vein at the base of the neck and courses inside the vein to near the heart. This allows safe and easy delivery of medication into your circulatory system.

Who needs a MediPort placement procedure?

Port placement procedures are typically for people who regularly need:

• Chemotherapy
• Frequent intravenous (IV) fluids
• Frequent IV antibiotics or other medications
• Frequent blood tests

What is the MediPort placement process?

MediPort placement is a minor surgical procedure performed with a local anesthetic and a sedative. The procedure often takes less than 30 minutes. During the procedure, your doctor will make two small incisions; a very small one just above the collarbone and a slightly larger one just below your collarbone.

Through the upper incision, your doctor creates an access point in the neck vein to place the catheter. They work within the lower incision to make a tiny pocket under the skin, then insert the port reservoir there.

Next, they tunnel the catheter under the skin, up to the access point in the vein, and insert the catheter into the vein.

Your doctor uses chest X-rays to ensure your port is placed correctly and then closes your incisions with tiny absorbable stitches and surgical glue.

How long do I need to have my MediPort?

The length of time you need your MediPort depends on many factors such as, how long you require treatment, how you respond to treatment, and your general health, as well as other factors. These devices are safe for long-term use and can remain in your body for weeks, months, or years with very little risk of complication.

At Vascular & Interventional Specialists, port placement is a safe, quick, and convenient outpatient procedure. Their expert physicians have placed, and removed, thousands of ports ensuring patients are able to get the treatment they need. Book your appointment today with the online scheduling feature or phone the practice.