Why is a portacath implanted by interventional radiologist?
Application of modern imaging technique has made portacath insertion much safer and quicker. The patency of the vein is checked with ultrasound. The best site for puncture and the course of the tunnel are selected using ultrasound, avoiding other veins and arteries in the area. The actual pucture is performed under real-time ultrasound guidance, thus avoiding injury to the adjacent artery. Once the vein is puctured, a guide wire is inserted and its position is checked under fluoroscopy (X-ray). The length of catheter required is measured with fluoroscopy. Finally the function of the portacath is checked by injection X-ray dye. What are the risks of portacath insertion? With modern imaging guidance, the risk of the procedure itself is minimal. There is theoretical risks of blood vessel injury, wound infection, bruising and haematoma formation, and the very remote chance of allergic reaction to the X-ray dye and drugs used during the procedure. What are the potential problems with port u
