Venous access
The administration of medication into the vena cava over a longer period of time is essential for many therapies. For example, chemotherapy or parenteral nutrition (nutrition via the veins using infusion solutions) requires long-term vascular access.
Tunnel catheters and port systems are one option. With a port, a port chamber (round "box" with a silicone membrane on the top, approx. 2 cm in diameter) is implanted under the skin and connected to an indwelling catheter leading into the vena cava. For safety reasons, the catheter is inserted under fluoroscopy (X-ray image control). As the port chamber is covered by skin and grows in completely, you should not expect any significant restriction in your freedom of movement or, for example, when bathing or showering after the port has been inserted. If a medication or infusion is to be administered, a thin needle is inserted through the skin and the silicone front wall of the port chamber. The administered substances then flow through this into the indwelling catheter and from here into the vena cava. After the treatment, the needle can simply be removed again. Such a port is particularly helpful in cases of poor vein conditions in order to protect the body's own veins.
With the tunnel catheter, only the indwelling catheter is inserted, but this is guided through the subcutaneous fatty tissue over a certain distance. In this section, the catheter grows into the tissue, which prevents infection "along the catheter". We offer all venous access systems as an outpatient service, i.e. you come to us for planning (ultrasound examination) and information before the procedure. At this appointment, we will ensure that all necessary laboratory results are available and explain the procedure. On the agreed operation date, you will come to us in the morning and will be operated on straight away without a long wait. After an individual follow-up period, you can return home on the same day.
With the prepectoral port system, the port chamber is inserted into the upper lateral chest wall. We always have numerous different systems in stock so that we can implant a system that is individually suitable for you. Where possible, we use port systems that are suitable for the administration of contrast media in computer tomography, among other things. Arm port systems (port systems in the crook of the arm) It may not be possible to implant a prepectoral port in your case for medical reasons, e.g. if radiotherapy is planned in this area. In these cases, we use particularly small ports that can be implanted in the crook of the arm. Which port system is the right one will be discussed during the explanation of the procedure.
In close consultation with the attending physician, we offer a variety of different tunnel catheter systems.
It may not be possible to insert a prepectoral port in your case for medical reasons, e.g. if radiotherapy is planned in this area. In these cases, we use particularly small ports that can be implanted in the crook of the elbow. Which port system is the right one will be discussed during the explanation of the procedure.
In close consultation with the attending physician, we offer a variety of different tunnel catheter systems.