When you need chemotherapy or regular infusions of other medications, mediport placement makes your treatment easier by eliminating the need for inserting needles into your arm. The board-certified team at Surgical Specialists of Greater NY has extensive experience implanting ports uniquely designed for administering medication. They’re conveniently located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Astoria area of Queens, and Bayside neighborhood in Flushing. If you need mediport placement or have questions about the procedure, book an appointment online or call one of their three New York City offices today.
Mediport Placement
What is a mediport placement?
Mediport placement refers to surgery to implant a small, round device under your skin. The device, called a mediport or port, holds medication that your provider injects into it. The port then dispenses the medication through a catheter directly into a vein.
With the port, you receive regular medication infusions without frequent sticks to insert an intravenous needle into your arm or hand.
The port consists of plastic or metal that has a self-sealing cover over the top. A specialized needle goes through the cover without creating or leaving holes. As a result, your provider can easily inject the medication you need into the port.
When would I need mediport placement?
Most people get a mediport implanted when they need chemotherapy. You may get a mediport if you need IV fluids, blood transfusions, or routine infusions of other medications, such as the biologics used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Your provider can also use the mediport to easily obtain blood samples.
What should I expect during mediport placement?
Before your mediport placement, Surgical Specialists of Greater NY talks with you about preparing for the procedure. For example, you may need to stop taking certain medications.
Most patients receive a local anesthetic to eliminate any pain, along with medication to help them relax. Your surgeon makes two small incisions and creates a tiny pocket under your skin. They also make a cut from the pocket to create an opening for the catheter.
After implanting the port, they attach a catheter to the port. Then using real-time imaging, they guide the catheter into a major vein. After securing the port and catheter, they close the incisions.
Your surgeon gives you self-care instructions to follow, such as avoiding strenuous activities for a few days. It takes about 7-10 days for the wound to heal, but your oncologist can use the port immediately for chemotherapy.
Once your incision heals, you don’t usually need to do anything to take care of the port. However, your health care provider flushes the port as needed. With proper care, your port can stay in place and work well for a year or longer.
To learn more about ports or schedule a mediport placement, call Surgical Specialists of Greater NY or book an appointment online today.