What is a Port-a-cath?
A Port-a-cath is one type of subcutaneous (under the skin) catheter. The Port-a-cath differs from the Hickman in that it is completely under the skin. A small metal chamber with a rubber top is implanted under the skin of the right chest. A catheter threads from the chamber (also called portal) under the skin, into a vein near the collarbone, and then to the heart. Whenever the catheter is needed to draw blood or for a transfusion, a needle is inserted by a nurse through the skin and into the rubber top of the portal.
