Cancer treatment often requires frequent blood tests, chemotherapy, and fluids. To avoid repeated needle pricks, an interventional radiologist can insert a vascular access device.
The two most common devices are PICC lines and Port-a-Caths. Caring for these devices properly helps prevent serious infections and blood clots.
Understanding your device
- PICC Line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter): This is a long, thin tube inserted into a vein in your arm. The tip sits in a large vein near your heart. The end of the tube stays outside your skin.
- Port-a-Cath (Implanted Port): This is a small drum placed completely under the skin of your chest. It connects to a tube that runs into a central vein. Because it is under the skin, it is less visible and requires less daily care.
Tips for caring for a PICC line
Because a PICC line extends outside your body, it requires careful daily protection.
- Keep it dry: Never submerge your arm in water. Do not swim or take baths. Cover the entire site with waterproof wrap when showering.
- Protect the dressing: The clear dressing over the insertion site must remain clean and secure. If it starts peeling, contact your clinic.
- Avoid heavy lifting: Do not lift anything heavier than a small bag of rice with that arm. Repetitive motions can displace the tube.
- Flushing the line: The line must be flushed with saline and heparin to prevent blood clots. Your clinic nurse will usually do this, or teach you how.
Tips for caring for a Port-a-Cath
A Port-a-Cath is sealed under your skin, which makes daily activities much easier.
- Normal bathing: Once the surgical incision heals, you can shower, bathe, and swim normally.
- Regular flushing: When not in active use, the port must be flushed every four to six weeks. This keeps the line open and free of clots.
- Check the skin: Check the chest area daily for redness, swelling, or warmth.
When to contact your healthcare team immediately
Vascular access devices connect directly to major veins. You must watch for signs of infection or blockage. Contact your referring doctor or go to the emergency room immediately if you experience:
- Fever or chills: A fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, even without other symptoms.
- Redness or warmth: Increased soreness, redness, swelling, or warmth around the device.
- Pain: Pain in your arm, shoulder, neck, or chest on the side of the device.
- Fluid leakage: Fluid or blood leaking from a PICC line site.
- Swelling: Swelling of your face, neck, or arm on the side of the device.
- Difficulty flushing: The tube feels blocked and you cannot flush it.
Having a central line or port makes your cancer treatment journey much easier. Taking these daily precautions protects your health and ensures your treatment goes smoothly.