What is a venous access device (port-a-cath)?
A port-a-cath, or implantable venous access device (IVAD), is implanted under the skin, usually in the upper chest but there are models which can be inserted into the arm. It has a small metal reservoir with a rubber diaphragm which is connected to a catheter which is then threaded into a large vein in the chest or arm. The entire device is surgically implanted under the skin so there is no catheter that hangs out of the body. The device provides ready access to a vein for administering medications and fluids intravenously. It can also be used for drawing blood samples. The device is accessed by inserting a special needle through the skin and into the rubber diaphragm of the reservoir. The medication or fluid is injected into the device and it flows through the catheter into the vein. These devices have made prophylaxis in hemophilia much easier for families because the problems of “finding a vein” for infusion two to three times a week are eliminated. However, there are risks involved
