Ambulatory Procedure Center
Medport Insertion
What Is It?
A medport is a small metal port inserted under the skin and into a vein in the neck area for long-term use. It is used for drawing blood, chemotherapy, and sometimes for long-term intravenous fluid.
How Do I Prepare?
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your procedure.
- Any medication your doctor has told you to take may be taken with a small amount of water.
- If you are taking medication to thin your blood (e.g., Coumadin, Warfarin, Plavix, or aspirin), you should check with your doctor about stopping these medications before the procedure.
- You will be asked to have a blood test the day before or the day of the procedure.
- Be sure to arrange transportation. Someone must stay with you at the hospital until discharge and drive you home. Transportation will be verified before the procedure. You may use a taxi cab for your transportation only if you have a person accompanying you other than the taxi cab driver. Your procedure may be cancelled if these arrangements are not made.
What Happens During the Procedure?
- Consent is signed.
- You will be given medication to help you feel sleepy and relaxed and to minimize discomfort.
- Medication is injected to numb the area and minimize any discomfort.
- Ultrasound equipment is used to locate a vein in your neck area and a small needle is inserted in the vein.
- A catheter is inserted into the vein and attached to the port under the skin.
- The incision is stitched using absorbable stitches.
- The procedure takes 60-90 minutes and recovery time is about 1-2 hours.