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Accessing IV ports: improving efficiency

Dennis Fitzpatrick, University of West London; Andrew Barton, Frimley Park Hospital, and Keith Pamment, City University, London, discuss a port location device that has been designed to improve first attempt port access, and to minimise the risk of subcutaneous infection andpain that a patient experiences with subsequent needle insertion attempts.

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. 

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Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club - Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross
15th April 2024 – 16th April 2024

DECON UK 2024

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
17th April 2024

Infection Prevention & Control

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
23rd - 24th April 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Exeter

University of Exeter
22nd June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

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