Overview
Treatment for some diseases means getting access to a blood vessel to give medicine or collect blood. But a lot of needle pokes can be painful and can damage the vein. Venous access devices placed in a vein can reduce pain and prevent damage to the vein. Several kinds of devices are available.
An implanted port is a device that is placed under the skin of your chest or arm. It is made of plastic, stainless steel, or titanium. It's about the size of a quarter, but thicker. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter runs from the port into a large vein. A membrane (septum) similar to a pencil eraser is in the centre of the port. A needle can pierce the septum to give medicine or collect blood.
A central venous line is a thin, flexible tube placed in a vein in your arm or chest. It's kept in place with a few stitches. The line can put medicine, liquids, or nutrients right into a blood vessel. A central venous line can be used for several months.
A long-term IV (intravenous) line involves a catheter in your arm, neck, or upper chest. It is kept in place with a few stitches. A long-term IV line can be kept in for weeks or even months.
Tell your doctor if you take aspirin or some other blood thinner. These medicines can increase the chance of bleeding inside your body when you get one of these devices.
These devices can make it easier for you to get medicine or give blood. But you need to care for them so they don't get infected or blocked.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter G096 in the search box to learn more about "Save Your Veins: Care Instructions".