Infusaports

What is an infusaport?

An infusaport is a small device that is placed underneath the skin for venous access. This is commonly used to deliver chemotherapy. The most common position for an infusaport is in the upper part of the chest with a soft tubing that tunnels in to either one of the veins in the upper chest or neck.

The infusaport is completely “buried” under the skin and each time it needs to be accessed, one of the nurses will access it with a needle through the skin in to the port.

How is an infusaport inserted?

An infusaport is usually inserted under a general anaesthetic of sedation. In our practice almost all are inserted under a general anaesthetic and can be performed as a day case.

A small incision is made underneath the collarbone (clavicle) and the vein coming up from the arm and in to the chest is located. A thin tubing is then inserted in to this veins and ends in the bigger veins in the chest. An xray is performed to confirm the appropriate position. A small pocket is then created underneath the skin in the upper chest and the port connected.

What are the risks?

The risks from infusaport insertion are very low but include the following:

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Air leak from the lung (pneumothorax)