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A venous access port is an implanted medical device that gives repeated access to a vein. It usually has a small reservoir placed under the skin and a catheter that connects to a large vein. Clinicians access the port with a special non-coring needle when IV treatment, blood draws, or flushing is needed. It is often used when a patient needs long-term or frequent venous access.
read more about venous access port ...A venous access port is used for treatments that need reliable access to the bloodstream over time. It can be used for chemotherapy, IV medications, blood transfusions, nutrition, fluids, or blood draws. Ports can reduce repeated needle sticks in smaller arm veins. The decision to place one depends on treatment length, vein condition, medication type, and infection or clotting risk.
A venous access port has a port body, a self-sealing septum, and a catheter. The port body sits under the skin, often in the chest or upper arm. The catheter tip rests in a large central vein so medication can enter the bloodstream quickly. Some ports are power-injectable for certain contrast imaging studies if the device is labeled for that use.
A clinician cleans the skin over the port and inserts a non-coring needle through the skin into the septum. The port can then be used to give medication, draw blood, or flush the catheter. After use, the needle is removed or secured if treatment will continue. Ports that are not used regularly need flushing on the schedule set by the care team.
Possible risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, catheter blockage, catheter movement, skin breakdown, or port malfunction. Sterile technique is needed when the port is accessed. Patients should report fever, chills, redness, swelling, drainage, chest pain, shortness of breath, or trouble flushing the port. The port can be removed when it is no longer needed or if complications require removal.
Yes. Port-a-cath is a common name for an implanted venous access port.
Yes, many ports can be used for blood draws if they are working properly and facility policy allows it.
No. The port sits under the skin, while the catheter is inside the vein. A needle is placed through the skin only when the port is accessed.
It can stay in for months or years if it is still needed and functioning well. The care team decides when removal is appropriate.
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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 16, 2026.
Guidelines for Central Venous Port Placement and Management. PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10359169/. Date Accessed June 16, 2026.
Radiologic Management of Central Venous Access. RadiologyInfo.org. https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/acs-radiologic-mgt-central-venous-access. Date Accessed June 16, 2026.