what is a port for chemo

A chemo port, short for chemotherapy port, is a small, implantable device that delivers chemotherapy drugs directly to your bloodstream through a vein in your chest, arm, or abdomen. It is about the size of a U.S. quarter and goes under your skin. A thin silicone tube connects the device to a vein. The main advantage of this vein-access device is that chemotherapy medications can be delivered directly into the port rather than a vein, eliminating the need for needle sticks. A chemo port can greatly reduce the number of needle sticks required at your oncology appointments and in many cases, it can make cancer treatments safer. A chemo port can also help make chemotherapy more comfortable. A port can remain in place for several weeks, months, or even years. There are three main parts to a chemo port: the port, the septum, and the catheter. The port is the main part of the device where healthcare providers inject fluids. The septum is the center part of the port, made from a self-sealing rubber material. The catheter is a thin, flexible tube that connects your port to your vein. A chemo port can be circular, triangular, or oval-shaped, depending on the brand of port your surgeon places. A chemo port can be implanted under the skin near a large vein in the upper chest. It can also be implanted in the arm or abdomen. A chemo port can provide a safer and more efficient medication delivery process than an IV.