FAQS

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. If you are receiving a treatment, a bandage may be applied to secure the needle.

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

Insurance policies vary. Please check with your insurance company.

If you don't have an all-plastic port, 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. Ports are safe for use in CT scanners. Some ports are able to be used for CECT procedures. Please ask your healthcare provider if your device is compatible with CECT procedures.

Different ports are affected differently by MRIs and some require special settings to be safe or may not be safe at all. It is important to let your health care team know what type of port you have in place.

Certain conditions such as bleeding disorders may make a port unsafe. Different types of ports also have warnings about use in different conditions, such as prior radiation to the area. Please talk with your healthcare provider about your medical conditions and whether a port is right for you.

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, soreness or drainage. If you have pain, fever, chills, shortness of breath, dizziness or drainage, 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.