FAQS

Will the port affect my daily life?

After the port has been placed and the small incision has healed, you should be able to return to your daily life. Ask your doctor or nurse about specific activities and when to resume them.

Will I need to wear a bandage over the port?

A bandage will be needed until the incision heals. Afterwards, a bandage is not required when the port is not in use. If you are receiving a treatment, a bandage may be applied to secure the needle.

Do I have to stop wearing certain types of clothes?

Ask your doctor or nurse. The answer will depend on where your port is placed.

Would insurance pay for the port?

Insurance policies vary. Please check with your insurance company.

Will the port set off security alarms?

Security systems may detect the small amount of metal in the port. If this happens, show your Patient Identification Card.

How long will I have my port?

The port can stay in place as long as your doctor makes sure that it works and that you still need it.

Can the port device be removed if I no longer need it?

Yes. The port can be removed with a minor surgical procedure similar to the one used to place it.

Can I get a CT procedure with a PowerPort®?

Yes. The materials used in the PowerPort® Implantable Port are safe for use in CT and CECT procedures.

Can I get an MRI procedure with the port in place?

Yes. You may get an MRI with the port. There are specific conditions for the MRI procedure, ask your doctor for more information about MRI safety.

Who should not receive a port?

Patients who: have or are suspected of having an infection, have a history forming blood clots, have a body size that will not allow for proper port placement or port access, have had the port insertion site exposed to radiation, or are not emotionally prepared to have an implanted medical device.

What risks does a port present?

Unfortunately, a port is not for everyone, especially patients with a history of forming blood clots, who have had previous vascular access surgery, or who are not emotionally prepared to have an implanted medical device. Like any vascular access procedure, there is always a risk of complications, including venous blood clots, skin erosion, infection, a collapsed lung, or clotting of the port catheter. Talk to your physician or nurse about these and other risks, and whether a port or other treatments are right for you.

What are the possible complications associated with an implantable port?

Use of an implanted port carries risks associated with a minor surgical procedure and vascular access.   Potential complications include:  

• Port clogging
• Skin erosion
• Vein erosion
• Collapsed lung
• Nerve damage
• Internal bleeding
• Irregular heart beat
• Blood clot formation
• Port catheter breakage
• Scarring at the insertion site
• Bleeding at the insertion site
• Fluid buildup around the lungs
• Port rotation or flipping while implanted
• Allergic reaction to the materials of the port
• Leakage of medicine or IV fluid from the port
• Accidental cutting or puncturing of blood vessels
• Redness and inflammation at the port insertion site
• Improper port access leading to medicine or IV fluid being injected into tissue that surrounds the port

What if I have a question or suspect a problem?

After the procedure you will see some redness and tenderness in the area. This should go away in 24 to 48 hours. However, contact your doctor or nurse if you notice unusual changes in the skin such as increased swelling, redness, soreness or drainage. If you have pain, fever, chills, shortness of breath, dizziness or drainage, contact your doctor right away.

What do I do if my doctor or nurse is unavailable?

You should be given a wallet-sized Medical Alert Identification Card. This card has important information about the port. With this information, other medical personnel will be able to help you.