Port-a-Cath® is a medical device from Smith Medicals intended to allow repeated intravenous entry into the human system to administer nutrition, fluids and medication, as well as for sampling blood.
Port-a-Cath®
The Port-a-Cath®, the only device through which repeated intravenous access can be achieved over a long period of time, is implanted under a patient's skin. Patients live normally, and the device requires only a monthly cleaning.
Cleaning the Site
Whenever the dressings on the Port-a-Cath site are changed, the area should be cleaned with aqueous chlorhexidine gluconate solution 2 percent. If that is unavailable, a solution of 0.5 to 1 percent aqueous chlorhexidine gluconate should be used and the site allowed to air dry.
Maintaining the Site
After implantation, the catheter site should be covered with either an all-inclusive gauze dressing or a transparent polyurethane dressing, which are recommended. The former should be changed regularly and always when damp, dirty or loose. When the Port-a-Cath® site is healed, dressings can be eliminated; however, the central line should be looped to guard against pulling.
Changing Intravenous Sets
Before accessing the injection port or catheter hub, alcohol or a solution of chlorhexidine gluconate should be used to clean the port. Intravenous sets for blood should be changed every 12 hours, while sets for nutritional substances should be changed every 24 hours. Sets in use continuously need only be replaced every 72 hours.
