Portacath

Breast Care Nurse service

Chemotherapy

Hickman Line

PICC line

Portacath

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A portacath is an implantable port device, which is positioned completely under the skin and inserted into the subclavian vein and avoid the need for repeated venepuncture or cannulation. It is used for certain patient, not all, who may require regular drug administration, often as an inpatient.

How is the portacath inserted into the vein?
The portacath will be inserted under general anaesthetic in the operating theatre. You will be in hospital for a few hours and you will be able to go home afterwards. The portacath will be positioned in your chest. You may experience some initial discomfort around the insertion site but this will go after a few hours. Your portacath can be used for chemotherapy administration, for taking blood and receiving hydration fluids. A portacath requires only one needle being inserted into the middle of the circumference of the portacath. All implanted devices must be accessed aseptically by the nursing staff. You will be able to shower and go swimming as normal.