Procedures

Placement of Access Catheters

Most intravenous chemotherapeutic medications damage the vessel through which they are delivered. As therapy progresses venous access becomes a problem. Access ports are devices placed just under the skin and are connected to a major vein with a biocompatible canula. This allows for repeat dosing with chemotherapy as well as the drawing of blood for analysis. Most cannulas can handle the high flow rates used in contrast administration for CT scanning.

The port is usually inserted in the upper chest, just below the clavicle or collar bone, leaving the patient's hands free.