What is a Port-a-Cath?
A Port-a-Cath (or implantable port) is a central venous access device that is fully implanted under the skin. It is connected to a catheter whose tip sits in a large central vein, close to the heart. It allows repeated, long-term intravenous treatments to be given safely.
Why have a Port-a-Cath fitted?
- Administration of chemotherapy, immunotherapy or other repeated infusions
- Avoids repeated needle punctures and preserves your veins
- Better tolerance of irritant intravenous treatments
- Long-term use, discreet device entirely under the skin
- The standard solution for prolonged intravenous treatments
Who is this method for?
- Patients needing repeated or prolonged infusions of vein-damaging products, particularly in oncology
- Patients with difficult peripheral venous access
How does it work?
Performed as a day case or during a hospital stay
Under local anaesthesia
The procedure usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour
The catheter is inserted into a central vein (jugular or subclavian)
The port is implanted under the skin, most often on the chest
Correct positioning is checked by imaging: a short period of monitoring before you return home
What is the recovery like?
- Moderate pain at the implantation site in the first few days
- Temporary local swelling or bruising
- The Port-a-Cath can be used soon after placement depending on the situation
- Rare complications during prolonged use: infection, thrombosis, device dysfunction or displacement
- Specific care is required at each use (Huber needle, flushing, etc.)
What is a Port-a-Cath?
The Port-a-Cath (implantable port or PAC) is a fully subcutaneous central venous device: a small titanium or resin port connected to a central venous catheter, implanted under the skin of the chest wall or arm. Access is via a simple puncture through the skin with a special needle (Huber needle).
For which treatments?
- Chemotherapy (the standard for long protocols)
- Immunotherapy and targeted therapies
- Repeated intravenous treatments over several months to years
- Repeated transfusions and blood sampling
Advantages
- Fully implanted: no visible catheter, showering and swimming are possible
- Minimal maintenance (monthly flush if not in use)
- Very long lifespan (several years)
- Quality of life preserved between treatment cycles
How is it placed?
A hospital stay of a few hours. Under local anaesthesia (± sedation), the catheter is inserted into a central vein (subclavian, jugular or cephalic), and the port is implanted in a small subcutaneous pocket. Immediate radiological check. Usable from the next day.
Removal
Removal is performed as a day case under local anaesthesia, usually at the end of treatment or in the event of a complication (infection, thrombosis).
✅ Cost: covered by French National Health Insurance. No additional fees in our centre.