A port or long term venous access catheter is placed for chemotherapy, intravenous alimentation or antibiotic therapy. This allows access to a large central vein with less trauma and discomfort to the patient. It also decreases the amount of irritation and damage to the veins from the medications. An Interventional Radiologist will place the port beneath the skin surface, which decreases the risk for infection. Access is by sticking the port through the skin with a special needle.
The port can be removed when it is no longer necessary.