The testimonials provided represent the experiences of the particular individuals making them and are not intended to be a recommendation or a referral for any device or procedure. BD and its affiliates do not warrant that any of the statements contained in the testimonials are accurate, complete, or will apply to any particular individual’s circumstances. Testimonials may be edited for clarity or brevity. If you think that you might require a vascular access device, you should consult your doctor or nurse. BD and its affiliates will not be liable for any decisions made or actions taken by you in reliance on any statement contained in a testimonial. Only a doctor or nurse can determine if a port is right for you. 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 doctor or nurse about these and other risks, and whether an implanted port or other treatment delivery options are right for you. For important patient safety information, please click here.
Healthcare Professionals
You are your patients’ best advocate. With that role comes the opportunity to recommend the appropriate vascular access device–one that suits both their immediate and long-term needs.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Port?
Advantages:
Can remain in place and be functional for many years
Ideal for intermittent access
May have less potential for infection than external catheters
No dressing required when the port is not accessed; therefore, ideal for patients with tape allergies
Flushing is only required every four weeks when not in use
Less potential for the catheter to fall out/migrate
May be used to infuse all I.V. solutions and blood products
Can be used to draw blood
Has less effect on body image than external catheters
Disadvantages:
Must be placed with a minor surgical procedure
Must be accessed with a needle
Needle can migrate out of septum, causing extravasation
Presence of port may interfere with sleep patterns
Requires a specially trained nurse to access and deaccess
Limited lumen options
Over time, buildup of “sledge” (clotted blood and drug precipitates) may collect in the port reservoir and decrease flow efficiency
Poses risk of complications such as catheter related infection and thrombosis
Instruction for use
The PowerPort® implantable port is indicated for patient therapies requiring repeated access to the vascular system and should be inserted by a medical professional. The port system can be used for infusion of medications, I.V. fluids, parenteral nutrition solutions, blood products, and for the withdrawal of blood samples. For more safety information, download the PDF below.
If you are a nurse or a physician, please click below to register/sign-in to our education resource portal for access to additional educational resources.
