Chronic Vascular Access

Chronic vascular access is the term used to describe the immediate access that an implanted port can provide to a patient’s veins, organs and skin for purposes of introducing medication. Essentially, the port (sometimes called a “port-o-cath”) lessens the need to repeatedly put another IV into patients who are receiving ongoing treatment via their veins. Chemotherapy and cancer patients often benefit from this kind of port, as may anyone who is undergoing surgery and/or needs to be able to have their medications administered with as few complications as possible. Usually the implantable port is placed on or around the patient’s chest, where access to most major veins is available.