How to effectively introduce implanted ports for infusion therapy: Watch the replays from the International Oncology Summit 2021

Compared to peripheral lines, an implanted central venous port can provide chemotherapy patients greater comfort and satisfaction with their treatment, which could lead to a higher quality of life.¹ 

However, the ultimate responsibility of ensuring a positive patient experience, from port insertion to follow-up, belongs to the oncology care team. 

 At the virtual BD International Oncology Summit (IOS), July 5-9, 2021, two treatment sessions were held with a common goal: to share best practices around implanted ports so caregivers feel empowered to deliver a positive treatment experience.  

• The Value of Implanted Ports in Breast Cancer Treatment -Dr Almamoon Justaniah, Interventional Radiologist at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Saudi Arabia 
•  Implanted Port Benefits, Complications and Maintenance -Kimberlee Hanna, Interim Senior Manager at City of Hopes Emergency, United States 

 In their respective presentations, both presenters focused on staff education and patient involvement. 

Equip your oncology care team with knowledge 

 The first step to establishing a regular service of implanted ports in infusion treatment, Dr Justaniah said, is to educate yourself and your team. 

 To demonstrate this, Dr Justaniah presented clinical studies to guide his discussion on implanted port placement. He used this evidence to weigh the risks against the benefits of trapezius, subclavian, ipsilateral and arm port placements in breast cancer patients to dispel the myths around certain port insertion sites and provide tips on how to ensure safe, effective insertion. 

 In a similar fashion, Hanna translated her 31 years of oncology experience into detailed guidance at every stage of the implanted port process, from how to choose the right port, to correct usage, flushing frequency, implanted port troubleshooting and risk reduction. 

 Know your port, know your patient 

 Both presenters insisted that ports must be tailored to each unique patient and that they should be consulted every step of the way. 

 “It’s really a decision we need to make with the patient,” said Hanna. 

 Dr Justaniah agreed that caregivers must familiarise themselves with the full spectrum of the patient’s condition and treatment plan in order to effectively introduce a port. He provided special considerations that can impact the state and placement of the port, such as upcoming surgery, radiation treatment and magnetic resonance and computed tomography (MR/CT) imaging, all of which should be discussed with the patient before insertion. 

 Hanna ended with a few “port pearls” of knowledge to summarise her presentation, reminding viewers that ports are a doorway into the bloodstream, and to treat them with special consideration to avoid complications.  

 In summary, by following port protocol and understanding the patient’s needs, treatment can be safe, effective and empowering. 

 To learn more about how you can effectively introduce implanted ports for infusion therapy, watch the session replays here: 

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