Please tell me about the Mediport

[Blackcat99]

I have to do a hep lock flush on a mediport tonight. I have to get a needle and syringe and put in 3cc ns followed by 1cc heparin. I get so nervous about doing stuff like this because I rarely do any IV kind of stuff. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Totally implanted catheter (portacath or mediport):

A portacath or "port" is comprised of two components, a self-sealing injection port and a catheter that enters the vein. The port and catheter are placed entirely under the skin using a small incision. There will be bumpon the chest wall where the injection port is located. This is the site where the access Huber needle is placed; if no solutions running, extension tubing is capped off like a regular Heparin lock and flusion solution above is instilled q shift or at least daily per facility protocal.

Once port is deacessed, needs MONTHLY flush to keep patent.

Info:

potacath instruction for patient + device picture

http://surglinks.com/central.lines.htm

Vascular Access Infections in the Outpatient Setting--Power Point Required

www.idlinks.com/slides/ins.ppt

eMedicine - Venous Access Port Problems : http://www.emedicine.com/aaem/topic472.htm#target1

[Blackcat99]

:) Thanks NRSKarenRN for the great info sites. Very informative. Does anyone know the best size needle I should use when injecting the ns and heparin into the port? Thanks

[leslie :-D]

i don't understand about flushing with a needle; i use luer lock syringes to flush portacaths.

are you talking about changing the huber needle;

those are typically changed 1x/wk, or according to facility protocol.

it's a sterile procedure, using betadine, alcohol and the huber needle should be right in the kit;

you pull the old one out, pulling it straight up and out.

and it goes in the same way, feeling the 'bump' under the skin;

put the huber needle in at a 90 degree angle til it's flush to the chest wall.

but i don't know if you're talking about flushing with a needle or changing the huber needle in the porta-cath.....

IF you have to use a needle to flush, a 25 gauge should be fine.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Standard 5cc syringe/21g needle or if needless system 5cc syringe.

25g is too fine.

[Blackcat99]

:) Thanks earle58. This mediport doesn't have the kind where you can use a needle-less syringe. I have to do the monthly heparin flush. I will get everything ready with a 25 gauge needle and then I am going to have the other nurse on duty supervise me while I do it just to be on the safe side. Thanks so much.

[Audreyfay]

It's been awhile since I worked with a mediport, but I thought it was very specific that a Huber needle needed to be used so that the septum is not damaged? Please check with your hospital policy. I'd hate to ruin the septum and end up needing a new implant! :uhoh21:

[leslie :-D]

:) Thanks earle58. This mediport doesn't have the kind where you can use a needle-less syringe. I have to do the monthly heparin flush. I will get everything ready with a 25 gauge needle and then I am going to have the other nurse on duty supervise me while I do it just to be on the safe side. Thanks so much.

most facilities do use the 21g/5cc syringe.

but one time, my logic dictated that if you give heparin injections using a 25g needle, then there should be no problems flushing w/the same g.

and it has been absotely fine;

and the risk is decreased for more serious needle stick injuries.

you'll do absolutely fine, blackcat.

leslie

[Blackcat99]

OK Maybe a 21 gauge would be best? I'll try it with a 21 gauge if I can find one.Thanks.

[Blackcat99]

It's been awhile since I worked with a mediport, but I thought it was very specific that a Huber needle needed to be used so that the septum is not damaged? Please check with your hospital policy. I'd hate to ruin the septum and end up needing a new implant! :uhoh21:

:uhoh21: Yikes ! Maybe I better get the syringes ready and hand it over to the other nurse to inject?

[leslie :-D]

blackcat....

dang. i know you're getting different answers here.

you are NOT flushing the huber needle; the huber needle is indeed specific to the septum ring on the portacath.

the huber needle also has extension tubing and it is at the end of the tubing is where you'll be flushing.

if you feel more comfortable using a 21g that's fine, but it's not necessary.

you can indeed, use a smaller needle, for your own safety.

please don't panic.

it's very very basic.

the huber needle has nothing to do with what you'll be flushing.

[Blackcat99]

:chuckle Thanks so much earle58! I do feel better now. I will give the flush and will have another nurse with me just in case.