Some cancer patients may require installation of a port-a-cath (a temporary portal to which a catheter is attached) to facilitate delivery of chemotherapy drugs and/or help with frequent blood draws that are necessary during the course of their treatment. A surgeon places the port-a-cath device subcutaneously (under the skin) in the upper chest using ultrasound imaging to guide the process. Delivery of chemotherapy via a central vein using a port-o-cath can help the patient avoid some of the side effects that they may otherwise encounter with delivery via a peripheral vein in the arm or leg. The procedure to place a port-o-cath device can be performed on an outpatient basis in about an hour, with the patient given a light sedative.
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