US Medical Term · procedures
Port-a-Cath
Puerto venoso implantado
Also: Port-a-cath (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Port-a-Cath |
| Spanish (Español) | Puerto venoso implantado |
| Chinese (中文) | 皮下植入式靜脈導管 |
| Korean (한국어) | 포트 카테터 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Cổng truyền thuốc dưới da |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Port-a-cath |
| Portuguese (Português) | Port-a-cath |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | พอร์ตเคมีบำบัด |
| Japanese (日本語) | 皮下埋め込みポート |
What it means
A port-a-cath, also called an implanted port or venous access port, is a small device surgically placed under the skin in the chest. It connects to a catheter that leads into a large vein near the heart. The port allows repeated access to a vein for giving chemotherapy, blood transfusions, IV medications, or drawing blood without repeatedly inserting new needles into peripheral veins. A special needle is inserted through the skin into the port for each use. The implantation procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes under local anesthesia with sedation. The port can remain in place for months to years and requires regular flushing to prevent clotting. Infection and clotting are the most common complications.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My oncologist wants to place a port-a-cath so I do not need a new IV for every chemotherapy session.
Mi oncólogo quiere colocarme un puerto venoso implantado para no necesitar una vía intravenosa nueva en cada sesión de quimioterapia.
How do I take care of the port-a-cath site at home between treatments?
¿Cómo debo cuidar el sitio del puerto venoso en casa entre tratamientos?
Can I swim or exercise normally with a port-a-cath in place?
¿Puedo nadar o hacer ejercicio normalmente con el puerto venoso implantado?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026