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A subcutaneous port is an implanted medical device placed under the skin to give long-term access to a vein. It is also called an implantable port, port-a-cath, or chemo port. The device has a small reservoir with a self-sealing septum connected to a catheter that enters a large vein. Clinicians access the port with a special non-coring needle when treatment or blood draws are needed.
read more about subcutaneous port ...A subcutaneous port is used when a patient needs repeated IV treatments, blood draws, transfusions, nutrition, or medications over time. It is commonly used for chemotherapy because some cancer drugs can irritate smaller veins. Ports can reduce repeated needle sticks in the arms and give more reliable venous access. The decision to place a port depends on the treatment plan, vein condition, infection risk, and expected duration of therapy.
The port reservoir sits under the skin, usually in the chest or upper arm, and connects to a catheter in a central vein. To use it, a clinician cleans the skin and inserts a non-coring needle through the skin into the septum. Medication, fluids, or blood can then move through the catheter into the bloodstream. After treatment, the port is flushed to help prevent clotting or blockage.
A subcutaneous port is placed during a minor surgical or interventional radiology procedure. The clinician creates a pocket under the skin for the port and guides the catheter into a vein. Imaging is often used to confirm catheter position. After placement, patients receive instructions about incision care, activity limits, flushing, and signs of infection or clotting.
Possible risks include infection, bleeding, clot formation, catheter blockage, catheter movement, skin breakdown, or device malfunction. The port must be accessed with sterile technique and the correct needle type. It also needs flushing on the schedule set by the care team when not in regular use. Fever, chills, swelling, redness, drainage, chest pain, shortness of breath, or trouble flushing the port should be reported promptly.
The port is under the skin, so it can create a small raised area. It is usually not visible under clothing.
Access can feel like a needle stick. Some patients use numbing cream if approved by their care team.
A port can stay in for months or years if it is still needed and working well. It can be removed when treatment is finished or if complications occur.
Yes, ports can often be used for blood draws, but some situations still require a regular vein draw. Facility policy and port function guide the choice.
Implanted Port: Types, Accessing, Care, Complications. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/procedures/21701-implanted-port. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.
About Your Implanted Port. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/your-implanted-port. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.
Radiologic Management of Central Venous Access. RadiologyInfo.org. https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/acs-radiologic-mgt-central-venous-access. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.
Implanted Venous Access Device (Port). OncoLink. https://www.oncolink.org/cancer-treatment/hospital-helpers/central-lines-and-care/implanted-venous-access-device-port. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.
A Study of Use of "PORT" Catheter in Patients with Cancer. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5395272/. Date Accessed June 15, 2026.