Port Study

Using image-guidance from either fluoroscopy (X-rays that show motion inside your body in real-time), your doctor will inject contrast material through your implanted port to evaluate its viability. This procedure involves a small incision to access the port and ensure it is functioning correctly.

When you arrive for your procedure, a clinical staff member will greet you and you will be brought into an exam room. Your port, which is typically placed in a large vein in your upper chest, will be accessed using sterile procedure to allow the injection of contrast material through the port. You may ask any questions you may have at this time.

You will lie on your back on the exam table for this procedure. Using fluoroscopy, contrast material is injected into the port so the doctor can evaluate the port’s placement and the corresponding flow of contrast. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes to perform. Once the procedure is complete, the site will be covered with a small dressing.

There are things you can do to make your experience more comfortable, and many of these will depend on your individual preferences. You might like to keep a list of questions or — as you’re doing now — educate yourself about the procedure.

Some other things to keep in mind in planning for this procedure include:

• Your doctor may ask you to stop taking aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), or blood thinners (such as Coumadin or warfarin) for a time before the procedure.

On the day of your procedure you should:

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Avoid bringing jewelry or valuables.

The benefits of a port study could be:

• To evaluate the port function for the administration of IV fluids, blood products, or medications such as those used in cancer treatment.
• It helps ensure the port is suitable for drawing blood samples and delivering intravenous (IV) therapies effectively.

Risks you should be aware of include:

• As with any procedure, there is a slight risk of infection.
• Rarely, there are reactions to the medication such as rash or hot flashes.
• There are risks associated with exposure to X-rays. You should discuss this with your physician.
• There is a risk of blood clots forming at the site of the port or along the central line.

Keep in mind that this information is general. Your radiologist and care team are the best sources of information about how these risks and benefits may apply to you.