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Carolina Endovascular Center | Expert Vascular Care

Port Placement

Overview | Procedure | Why Carolina Endovascular?

What is a port?

A port, also called a port-a-cath, is an implanted device that provides convenient and reliable access to a vein. It is commonly used so that providers can administer chemotherapy, other intravenous (IV) medications, fluids or blood products without needing to place a new IV each time.

The port is placed completely under the skin, usually in the upper chest. It has two main parts: the port and the catheter.

  • The port sits just beneath the skin and is approximately the size of four stacked quarters. It has a soft silicone covering that allows a special needle to be inserted when the port needs to be accessed.
  • The catheter is a small, flexible tube that connects the port to a large vein called the superior vena cava, which carries blood to the heart.
port placement
woman with doctor discussing port placement

What happens during the port placement procedure?

Before the minimally invasive procedure, you will meet with our interventional radiologist, a physician who specializes in image-guided procedures. This is an opportunity to ask questions and discuss what to expect.

An IV will be placed, and blood tests (labs) may be drawn. You will receive moderate, or “twilight,” sedation to help you relax and remain comfortable during the procedure. You will be sleepy but generally able to respond to questions and follow instructions.

A local anesthetic will also be injected into the area where the port will be placed to numb the skin and surrounding tissue.

During the procedure, the interventional radiologist will use fluoroscopy, a type of real-time X-ray imaging, to guide the placement of the catheter and port and to confirm that everything is positioned correctly.

A port may be required for a few weeks to as much as several months. When it is no longer required, the interventional radiologist may remove the port with another minimally invasive procedure.

Why choose Carolina Endovascular for port placement and removal?

Port placement is a highly specialized, image-guided procedure that requires technical precision and extensive experience. At Carolina Endovascular, port placement is performed by board-certified interventional radiologists with advanced training in complex embolization therapies.

Our center was purpose-built for minimally invasive procedures. Unlike a large hospital environment, our focus is entirely on outpatient, image-guided care. Patients are treated in a private, thoughtfully designed setting where efficiency, safety, and comfort are central to the experience.

Because we operate as a dedicated specialty center, we can deliver hospital-level technology and safety standards in a more streamlined and personalized environment. Procedures are performed with advanced imaging equipment, and most patients return home the same day.

Our goal is simple: to provide expert, minimally invasive port placement and removal in a setting that prioritizes clinical excellence, discretion, and an exceptional patient experience.

To learn more about port placement at Carolina Endovacular please contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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