Guest guest Posted August 7, 2002 Report Share Posted August 7, 2002 , Both are catheters placed to make the patient more comfortable because of collapsing veins. But, a mediport can be placed in any vein usually in the arm. The portacath is placed in the upperleft chest near the heart, so the catheter can be threaded directly into the heart so the medication or blood or other needed fluids can be directed into the heart without the possibility of collapsing veins and with less chance of infection to the site. Both are very helpful in chronic health problems and for return IV placements. I will be praying for you that it works out for you. Most repeat blood transfusion patients do better with portacaths, because they seem to be less painful to receive and quicker to use. Hop this encourages you- I use to work in a Cancer unit and help place and to care for many portacath patients. All had their portacaths long-term. I also have a new email carrier and address- jobswife@.... Gentle hugs and prayers, Anita Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2002 Report Share Posted August 7, 2002 Thanks, Anita Hugs, Re: Mediport or portacath? , Both are catheters placed to make the patient more comfortable because of collapsing veins. But, a mediport can be placed in any vein usually in the arm. The portacath is placed in the upperleft chest near the heart, so the catheter can be threaded directly into the heart so the medication or blood or other needed fluids can be directed into the heart without the possibility of collapsing veins and with less chance of infection to the site. Both are very helpful in chronic health problems and for return IV placements. I will be praying for you that it works out for you. Most repeat blood transfusion patients do better with portacaths, because they seem to be less painful to receive and quicker to use. Hop this encourages you- I use to work in a Cancer unit and help place and to care for many portacath patients. All had their portacaths long-term. I also have a new email carrier and address- jobswife@.... Gentle hugs and prayers, Anita " The LUPIES Store " Come check out our store... http://www.cafepress.com/thelupies " The LUPIES Web Page " http://www.itzarion.com/lupusgroup.html " The LUPIES online photo albums! " Check out what your fellow Lupies look like... http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?username=lupies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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