Accessing an Implanted Vascular Access Port
Presented by Lisa A. Gorski and Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board
Nonfinancial: Lisa Gorski is a professional member of Infusion Nurses professional society.
The implanted vascular access port is a central vascular access device (CVAD) that is placed completely underneath the skin. The port consists of a catheter attached to a reservoir, or port, and is accessed through the skin using a noncoring, or Huber, needle. The port may be located in the chest and placed via the subclavian or internal jugular vein. Alternatively, the port can be placed in the arm above the antecubital area via one of the upper arm veins (e.g., basilic, cephalic, or brachial). As with any CVAD, the catheter tip should be located in the lower third of the superior vena cava at or near the cavoatrial junction. The implanted port is commonly placed for patients who require weeks or months of infusion therapy. The port requires access when needed for infusion therapy or for routine flushing and locking.
In this training, we’ll review the equipment and procedures for accessing an implanted vascular access port for patients with CVADs. This course includes
- Video demonstrations of procedures
- Downloadable procedure guide PDFs
- Tips and best practices for performing these procedures in the home
This course was reviewed by Danielle Pierotti, RN, PhD, CENP, to ensure the content meets current professional guidelines and best evidence-based practices.
Meet your instructors
Lisa A. Gorski
Lisa A. Gorski has worked for 40 years as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) and educator for Wheaton Franciscan Home Health & Hospice, now part of Ascension at Home, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a CNS, she has played a key role in the home infusion therapy program, contributing to clinician education, policy and procedure…
Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board
The Medbridge Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board ensures the development and maintenance of up-to-date and evidence-based clinical procedures. The review board is composed of leading nurse experts in the field: Danielle Pierotti, RN, PhD, CENP, and Margherita Labson, RN, BSN, MSHSA. The review board is involved in…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Introduction
This chapter includes an introduction to accessing an implanted vascular access port, information on all of the equipment needed to provide this care for patients undergoing CVAD access, and recommended infection control policies.
2. Procedure: Accessing an Implanted Vascular Access Port
This chapter will provide a step-by-step procedure guide and video demonstration of accessing an implanted vascular access port.
3. Tips and Precautions
This chapter provides tips and considerations for performing these skills in the home. It will also cover related procedures and frequently asked questions.
4. Documentation Guidelines
This chapter provides recommendations on what to note when documenting for patients receiving care for an implanted vascular port.
5. Conclusion
This chapter includes learning assessment questions to assess the learner's knowledge of skills covered in this course. A bibliography of referenced material is also included.
More courses in this series
Central Venous Access Device (CVAD): Site Care and Dressing Change, Flushing and Locking
Lisa A. Gorski and Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board
General Infusion Therapy Administration: IV Push, Gravity Drip, Elastomeric Pump, Electronic Infusion Pump
Lisa A. Gorski and Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board
Accessing an Implanted Vascular Access Port
Lisa A. Gorski and Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board
Peripheral IV Catheter (PIVC) Insertion
Lisa A. Gorski and Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board
Central Venous Access Device (CVAD): Blood Sampling for Laboratory Studies
Lisa A. Gorski and Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board
Discontinuing a Chemotherapy Infusion
Lisa A. Gorski and Clinical Procedure Manual Review Board
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