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Vascular Access For Chemotherapy

Vascular access involves the insertion of a tube (a catheter) into the blood vessel. It allows doctors to access the blood for delivering drugs, blood products, and nutrition into the body. It also assists in drawing blood without multiple punctures on the skin.


Our Offerings

  • Chemoport Placement: Chemoport is an implantable device usually placed at the center of the upper chest near the large vein. The port is used for a safer and more efficient administration of chemotherapy drugs, blood products, and nutrition. The port also allows the doctors to draw blood for evaluation. It is an excellent alternative to the IV catheter peripherally implanted in the veins of the hand or arm. It is visible as a bulge that can be easily covered with clothes. In contrast to the IV catheter, which is placed every time the drug is infused, chemoport may remain in place for a long time-even for years in some cases.
  • Hickman Catheter Placement: The Hickman catheter is a long tube made of silicone. One end of the tube is inserted into the large vein in the chest, while the other is left outside the body. The cuff attached to the line prevents the entry of pathogens from outside. There may be one or more internal channels, which may have different openings outside and inside the body. The Hickman line is inserted under anesthesia using imaging techniques (X-ray or ultrasound). Sterile conditions are strictly maintained during the insertion of the Hickman line. It is required in patients undergoing treatment for over two weeks. It is used for apheresis, plasmapheresis, and drawing blood for routine examination.
  • PICC Line Placement: The doctor inserts the peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line into the vein of the upper arm above the elbow. A non-dominant arm is generally selected for PICC placement. Several factors are considered after inserting the PICC line. These include protection, caring, and covering the PICC line. The PICC line is removed by pulling the end of the catheter. However, if the treatment is prolonged, the doctor may consider keeping it in place, and multiple insertions of the PICC line may damage the vein.

Faq's

What are the risks and complications associated with chemoport?

The risks and complications associated with chemoport are blockage, infection, leakage of air, pain and discomfort, mal-positioning, and skin blisters.

How should the patient care for the Hickman line?

Patients should avoid swimming and routinely clean the Hickman catheter. Further, avoid using any sharp objects near the catheter. Immediately consult with the doctor if there is leakage or damage to the catheter.