Image-Guided Chemotherapy Port Placement and Repair of Non-functioning Ports

Interventional Radiologists at SDI have unsurpassed expertise in port catheter placement for chemotherapy treatment. At SDI, a chemotherapy port placement procedure is performed under imaging guidance, rather than blind placement by most other specialists. Our doctors are experts in image-guided procedures, and chemotherapy port placement by an Interventional Radiologist is better since advanced imaging technology is utilized during port catheter placement. With an SDI Interventional Radiologist, mediport placement for chemotherapy involves using ultrasound to safely use the internal jugular vein, rather than the subbclavian vein, for port catheter placement.

This type of port/mediport placement method is the preferred route and is associated with the least short and long-term complications. For example, since most surgically placed chemotherapy mediports are placed in the subclavian vein ("subclavian" means beneath the clavicle), the catheter portion is subject to wear and tear from motion of the clavicle (collarbone) and can fracture and travel to the heart or lungs (see 'Problem with mediport" below). Futhermore, we use fluoroscopy to ensure that the catheter length is perfect, which also reduces long-term complication rates (blockages of veins, venous stenosis/thrombosis, superior vena cava syndrome). Improper placment can lead to mediports not working or problems with mediports (see below).

In addition, with the availability of imaging guidance, we can perform mediport placement in specialized locations such as the arm. If a patient has a blockage, occluded superior vena cava or has another reason that prevents the placement of a port in the chest, neck or arm, SDI Interventional Radiologists can safely perform port catheter placement elsewhere in the body using imaging guidance. This type of chemotherapy port placement may be called "transhepatic", "translumbar", or "direct inferior vena cava (IVC)" port catheter placement.

Mediport not working or Problem with Mediport?

At SDI, we also specialize in fixing any problem with mediports. We use special imaging studies to diagnose why the mediport is not working, and have specialzed protocols to treat and fix problems with mediports not working. No other physician has the experience, imaging expertise, and advanced equipment to diagnose and treat problems with mediports not working.