Infusaport Specialist

What is an Infusaport?

Infusaport is a small device that your vascular surgeon at Sarasota Vascular Specialists implants under your skin. It delivers medications and intravenous fluids straight into your bloodstream. Infusaports are typically used for long-term drug delivery, particularly chemotherapy in cancer patients.

Accessing your veins is necessary to draw blood for testing, administer medications, and in some cases, perform medical procedures. Usually, health care providers use your arm or leg veins to accomplish these tasks. Some procedures, however, require frequent access to veins. Inserting a new needle each time can be uncomfortable and damage your veins.

Infusaport is a device your doctor uses when they need long-term access to your bloodstream. It helps to protect the veins and minimize any discomfort.

What does an Infusaport insertion involve?

An Infusaport has two parts. The port is made of metal and plastic with a central compartment for injections. It goes underneath your skin, usually on the right side of your chest. The catheter is a soft tube that goes into the vein leading to your heart.

Infusaport insertion is usually performed under a general anesthetic. First, your doctor at Sarasota Vascular Specialists inserts a needle into the vein just below your collarbone. They pass a wire along the vein, using X-rays to check its position. Then your doctor makes a small pocket under your skin and places the port inside.

Your doctor then feeds the catheter down the wire into your vein, stopping just above your heart. They inject an anticoagulant drug to prevent blood clots from forming in the catheter. After completing the Infusaport insertion, your provider studies a chest X-ray to ensure that everything has been placed correctly.

How is an Infusaport used?

Only doctors and nurses who’ve received special training are allowed to use an Infusaport. They access the port using a special Huber needle that won’t damage the port’s central compartment.

You can start your chemotherapy the next day. You need to keep a dressing over the wound for several weeks while the skin heals, then you can resume your normal activities.

An Infusaport can stay in your body for weeks, months, even years, depending on how long you need it. Your doctor can also remove it quite easily when you no longer need it.

If you need chemotherapy, contact Sarasota Vascular Specialists about an Infusaport insertion. Call their office to book an appointment or schedule one online today.