help keeping a mediport accessed

iluvivt, BSN, RN · Jul 10, 2008

This may sound a little crazy but considering you have already tried a lot of things this is what I would try next. I would get the smallest available piece of that temporary gladware (large enough to cover the access huber needle and not touch it though..also must be clear ) I would then modify it if needed and then cover the entire site and tape it on with clear tape. You must still be able to visualize the site...that is imperative. Make sure the tension is on the IV tubing and not on the Huber (non-coring) needle and swing it uo over the shoulder away from those little hands. When he grasps at the port all he will get is the plastic.also make sure all edges are soft or padded to avoid skin breakdown. This is my own variation of the IV house. There are manufactured products you can buy like this but none that would easily cover a port and provide adequate visualization

iluvoncology · Jul 11, 2008

Thanks so much for your response. I am willing to try anything at this point. He de-accesses his port sometimes twice a day! My only concern is that his chemo sometimes runs for 96 hours and he likes to sleep on his stomach, I am not sure how comfortable this would be.

iluvivt, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2008

Trim it so it has a low profile and pad it with 2x2 or 4x4 or some foam type tape.

iluvoncology · Jul 15, 2008

Unfortunatley we had to have mediport removed (infection). Have you ever seen a hickman placed on the back. A nurse told me she saw a patient with one about 15 years ago and none since. Maybe we can convince the surgeon to try it. That would hopefully solve some of the problems. If not we will end up with another mediport in a week or so and then I can try the IV house. I showed it to mom, she was willing to try it!

iluvivt, BSN, RN · Jul 30, 2008

They can direct the tunnel of the hickman or broviac or groshong to exit anywhere on the chest. They do not want to make the tunnel excessively long though.