What is a PAS PORT?
The PAS PORT is a small tube inserted into a vein in a patient’s arm. The small tube extends along the vein to the larger vein just above the heart and is connected to a port that is implanted under the skin of the upper arm. This port is accessed with a special needle when it is used for IV therapy or chemotherapy. When not in use, the port is nearly invisible. The PAS PORT can be left in place for many months, as long as it is flushed every month after therapy ends. It can remain until the patient’s doctor decides to have it removed.
Care after a PAS PORT is placed:
The port does not require daily care unless an access needle is in place. If this is the case, follow instructions given by the nurse. The port must be flushed every four weeks if not used.
Week 1:
- Do not submerse in water: No swimming, no hot tubs, no tub baths until the sutures are removed in about eight days.
- Keep the dressing clean and dry. If the steri-strips loosen allow them to fall off. They may be trimmed if necessary.
- Protect the site during showering with plastic wrap and tape. Remove the plastic wrap after have showering and check the dressing. Pat dry if necessary.
Week 2:
- Sutures must be removed after about eight days.
- Return to Interventional Radiology on the appointment date or have your doctor or the nurse remove the sutures if the site has no signs of infection.
Activity:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions for physical activity limitations.
- If you are very active playing tennis, golf, bowling or other strenuous activities using the arm, ask the Interventional Radiologist or your physician when to resume these activities.
- Avoid swimming or soaking in a spa or bathtub until the sutures are removed.
Precautions:
- Avoid having your blood pressure taken on the arm with the PAS PORT.
- Never use force when flushing the port. If you encounter resistance when flushing, your infusion goes slower than usual or blood cannot be aspirated. Call your doctor or the Interventional Radiologist. It is often possible to clear the port without removing it.
When to call your doctor or the Interventional Radiologist:
You may call your doctor or Interventional Radiology department at 714-771-8000 X 17865, ask to speak to a nurse or the Interventional Radiologist if any of the following symptoms occur:
- Redness at the site or drainage from the site where the access needle is placed.
- Pain in the arm or pain during the infusion.
- Swelling in your arm, neck or face.
- Drainage at the site.
- Temperature elevation (fever).
- Chills
- It takes longer to infuse medication than previously.
- If you or the nurse notice swelling or leaking during the infusion: stop the infusion immediately.
- Your nurse is unable to flush or blood cannot be withdrawn from the port.