Accessing IV ports: improving efficiency

In today’s Healthcare environment, Intravenous (IV) therapy is routinely used for the treatment of chronic conditions such as cancer, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, Haemophilia and immunological disorders. The delivery of drugs, infusions, coagulation factors and antibiotics into the body is administered via implanted venous access ports (VAPs) also known as intravenous (IV) ports. These ports have a catheter that is surgically inserted directly into a vein, thus providing a more efficient delivery of medication into the body. Using a port, there is one access site for medication administration compared to locating alternative suitable sites for regular hypodermic needle injections. 

A port typically consists of a metal, porcelain or plastic chamber that acts as a reservoir for the medication and a catheter connected to a port outlet. The top of the chamber is known as the septum and consists of a membrane of self-sealing silicon rubber. The ports are implanted subcutaneously such that the top of the port chamber is seen as a ‘bump’ under the skin. A non-coring needle such as a Huber needle is then inserted through the skin into the centre of the chamber in order to deliver the medication. 

Inserting a non-coring needle though the skin into the centre of the port septum does require a certain amount of skill. The port is held in place after feeling around for the underlying rim of the port and then effectively ‘best guessing’ the centre of the port for needle insertion with the other hand.