Mediport rupture; what now?

[plumrn, BSN, RN]

My Dad went to have his port flushed, and he developed swelling an inch or so up along where the tubing lies. The nurses decided it was ruptured and said it would need to be removed (he no longer needs it).

I am told they can remove it in the office, however my Dad is on Coumadin for a prosthetic heart valve. They said it only takes a quick incision and pulling it out, but aren't sure if the surgeon will want to take him off the Coumadin first or not. They're going to get back with some info for us, and said it won't hurt to wait until after Thanksgiving even, if he wants.

Does anyone know if he'll definitely have to come off the Coumadin? We worry he'll have a stroke if he is off the Coumadin, and wonder what the usual procedure is for this.

Thanks for any knowledge you can share with me. (I don't expect medical advice, just anything you have experienced in your practice so that I'll have an idea what to expect).

[WSU_Ally_RN, BSN, RN]

What I see usually in the hospital, if someone is on coumadin and needs a procedure of some sort, the coumadin is stopped, and heparin sq is given. I would have you dad check with his physician to be sure. Good luck!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

There is just no way that we can answer your questions. Please discuss this with your father's provider.