An implantable port for repeated intravenous treatments
What is a Port-a-Cath?
The Port-a-Cath (implantable port or PAC) is a fully subcutaneous central venous access device: a small titanium or resin port connected to a catheter whose tip sits in a large central vein, close to the heart. It is implanted under the skin of the chest wall or arm, and accessed via a simple puncture through the skin with a special needle (Huber needle). It allows repeated, long-term intravenous treatments to be given safely.
Why have a Port-a-Cath fitted? For which treatments?
Chemotherapy (the standard for long protocols), immunotherapy and targeted therapies
Repeated intravenous treatments over several months to years, and repeated transfusions or blood sampling
Avoids repeated needle punctures and preserves your veins, with better tolerance of irritant 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
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?
1
A hospital stay of a few hours, as a day case or during a hospital stay
2
Under local anaesthesia (± sedation)
3
The procedure usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour
4
The catheter is inserted into a central vein (subclavian, jugular or cephalic)
5
The port is implanted in a small subcutaneous pocket, most often on the chest
6
Correct positioning is checked by imaging immediately after placement — usable from the next day
What is the recovery like?
Moderate pain at the implantation site in the first few days, with possible temporary local swelling or bruising
Rare complications during prolonged use: infection, thrombosis, device dysfunction or displacement
Specific care is required at each use (Huber needle, flushing, etc.), and monthly flushing when not in use
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.
❓ Frequently asked questions
A Port-a-Cath is a small chamber implanted under the skin of the chest, connected to a central vein by a fine catheter. It provides reliable long-term venous access for chemotherapy without repeated needling of arm veins.
Under local anaesthesia with sedation, through a small incision, guided by ultrasound and X-ray, as a day case.
It can remain for months to years, and is removed once treatment is complete. It only needs periodic flushing when not in use.
Yes. Once the wound has healed, the port is entirely under the skin, so showering and swimming are possible.
Yes. At Cochin AP-HP (a French public hospital), this procedure is covered by national health insurance with no out-of-pocket fees. Contact ri.cch@aphp.fr or +33 1 58 41 46 12.
⚡ Port-a-Cath — At a glance
A Port-a-Cath is a small chamber implanted under the chest skin, connected to a central vein, providing reliable long-term venous access without repeated arm-vein punctures.
Criterion
Data
Duration of use
Months to years
Placement
Local anaesthesia with sedation, ultrasound and imaging guidance, day case
Daily life
Showering and swimming possible once the wound has healed
Removal
Short procedure under local anaesthesia at the end of treatment
Cost
Covered by French national health insurance at Cochin AP-HP — no out-of-pocket fees
Data validated by the team of Prof. Anthony Dohan, Department of Interventional Radiology, Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité.
✓ Why this page is trustworthy
Written by the Interventional Radiology team at Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité. Medically reviewed by an interventional radiologist of the department. Last updated: August 2026.
