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vitamin k-
05 Sep : 23:42
and cheese.
mom2lillian
05 Sep : 10:26
rock on Piper....oh and bring on the typhoid fever LOL. I can see a weird X-files type show now where some crazy CF scientist lets it loose on colleagues he's ticked at *evil laugh*
Momtana
04 Sep : 17:02
Piper
NoExcuses
04 Sep : 14:07
Yey Piper!PS we have fallen to #3 in the Pepsi Refresh Project
http://bit.ly/bJhm7v
j8411
04 Sep : 13:18
mac
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Ports
Medi-ports or Port-a-caths
Subcutaneous catheters are called either medi-ports or port-a-caths. They are made up of a small "port" made of stainless steel, titanium, plastic, polysulfone or a combination attachted to a catheter. It is put entirely under your skin, generally in the upper chest surgically. They can also be placed in the upper arm or below the breast. A small incision is made by a surgeon skilled in the procedure, after you are given local or general anesthesia. A second small incision is made nearby to thread the catheter into the appropriate vein. The catheter is invisible inside your body and is threaded in the large vein that leads to the area near the heart. The tip of the catheter rests just above the heart's right atrium in the large vein called the vena cava. A few stitches are left in place until your skin completely heals over. Healing is very quick and the port can be used by your doctor or nurse right away. You can see a small bump where the port is placed. The surgery takes about 30 minutes and has little risk attached. Your surgeon will review the operation and the risks with you before hand. Ask your nurse for more detailed information about the port and its care to take home with you.
Ports are used to give all kinds of IV therapy, including chemotherapy, IV's, antibiotics, blood, blood products, and for drawing labs. This avoids the need to have other needle sticks. Ports are flushed with anticoagulant (heparin) between the use of treatments. Ports may be left in for years. When not in use they require no care other than the monthly flushes to keep the line clear. A simple surgery is needed to remove them when they are no longer needed.
Websites for PICCs and Ports
Remember when reading these sites most are geared towards cancer patients but we use them for ivs all the same.
PICCs
Ports
Hickman
