FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Once the incision heals, you should be able to return to your normal activities. Ask your healthcare provider about specific activities and when to resume them.

After your initial port placement procedure, a bandage will be needed until the incision heals. You may not always need a bandage when the port is not in use. During your treatment, a bandage may be applied to secure the needle.

Ask your healthcare provider. The answer will depend on where your apheresis therapy port is placed. Ports are most commonly placed in the chest area, so it just depends on what you are comfortable wearing.

Insurance policies vary. Please check with your insurance company.

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

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

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

Yes. The materials used in the PowerFlow™ IV Port are safe for use in CT and CECT procedures.

Yes. You may get an MRI with the PowerFlow™ IV Port. There are specific conditions for the MRI, so ask your healthcare provider for more information about MRI safety.

Patients who:

  • Have or are suspected of having an infection
  • Have a history of 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
  • Are not emotionally prepared to have an implanted medical device

Use of an implanted port carries risks associated with a minor surgical procedure and vascular access. Potential complications include but are not limited to:  

  • Air Embolism
  • Allergic Reaction
  • Bleeding
  • Brachial Plexus Injury
  • Cardiac Arrhythmia
  • Cardiac Puncture
  • Cardiac Tamponade
  • Catheter or Port Erosion Through the Skin
  • Catheter Embolism
  • Catheter Occlusion
  • Catheter or port-related Sepsis
  • Damage or Breakage due to Compression between the Clavicle and First Rib
  • Device Rotation or Extrusion
  • Endocarditis
  • Extravasation
  • Fibrin Sheath Formation
  • Guidewire Fragment Embolism
  • Hematoma
  • Hemothorax
  • Hydrothorax
  • Infection, including but not limited to pocket, catheter tunnel, and /or blood stream
  • Inflammation, Necrosis, or Scarring of Skin Over Implant Area
  • Intolerance or Reaction to Implanted Device
  • Laceration of Vessels or Viscus
  • Pain at or around port pocket site
  • Perforation of Vessels or Viscus
  • Pneumothorax
  • Risks Normally Associated with Local or General Anesthesia, Surgery, and Post-Operative Recovery
  • Spontaneous Catheter Tip Malposition or Retraction
  • Thoracic Duct Injury
  • Thromboembolism
  • Vascular Thrombosis
  • Vessel Erosion

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

You should be given a wallet-sized identification card with important information about your port and a clinical information hotline number. With this information, other medical personnel will be able to help you. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact emergency services or dial 911.