Infusaport Question

[webblarsk]

I just admitted a patient that transfered from another hospice and hasn't had his infusaport flushed in 10 weeks. Should I try to flush it or do you think its gone bad? What is the longest they can go without being flushed? I thought they were supposed to be flushed every 6 weeks? He is a terminal cancer patient, so I would like to keep his port in working condition in case he needs IV pain meds down the road. Thanks in advance.

[kitty9898]

With something like that, if you're not sure, ask the oncologist or surgeon who put it in. I don't think there would be a problem with flushing it, but I could be wrong.

[unknown99, BSN, RN]

There are some that can go as long as 12 weeks. Can't think of the names though.

[jeene24]

Infusaports should be flushed once a month. You could attempt to flush as long as you don't meet any resistance. I have encountered ports that have remained patent beyond the 4 weeks. Hoped this helped.

[webblarsk]

Thanks for the replies. I did access it. Got a really good blood return and it flushed beautifully. Thank goodness.

[Grlnxtdr88]

Very much along the same lines but slightly different:

Nursing Home, Port-a-cath implanted 3 yrs ago. Port has not been flushed in >8 months. Patient is not a surgical candidate for removal (house MD will not give medical clearance for procedure.) Would be best to keep port but we are unsure about danger of accessing even to aspirate (Is concern valid?). Do they expire? If there is a blood return, is it safe to flush after this length of time?

I am the new unit manager and previous RN documented that patient refused (patient states RN had a difficult time with access). MD was unaware until this week.

Also, how best to communicate this info in the event of emergency & what is our responsibilty if Emergency Room does access it? (I documented on the face sheet "Do not access port-a-cath to left chestwall... Has not been flushed >8 months).... Does this cover it?

Any help would be appreciated.

[Binkey, BSN]

grlnxtdr88,

No, I would not attempt to access and flush the device.

Most nurses first concern is that of a blood clot at the distal end. But, even if there wasn't a clot present, the catheter is covered in biofilm and flushing after all this time without appropriate maintenence of the catheter can cause bacteria to rush into the venous system. It is a shame that the surgeons feel that they should leave it in.

Since the patient was able to tell you that the previous RN had difficulty accessing the port, hopefully the pt will be able to convey to anyone who wants to access it, that it is not a viable line. If the pt is in an emergency situation, perhaps a sticker placed over the site saying, "non-patent port" would suffice.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents worth.

:) DD