Port
Port (medical)
Port (pronounced: /pɔːrt/) is a medical term referring to a small medical appliance that is installed beneath the skin. A catheter connects the port to a vein. Under the skin, the port has a septum through which drugs can be injected and blood samples can be drawn many times, usually with less discomfort for the patient than a typical needle stick.
Etymology
The term "port" is derived from the Latin word "portus", which means "gateway" or "portal". In the medical context, it refers to the function of the device as a gateway for delivering medications and other treatments directly into the bloodstream.
Usage
Ports are used mostly to treat hematology and oncology patients. They can be used for a long period of time, from a few weeks to several years. The port is usually inserted in the upper chest, known as a chest port, or the arm, known as an arm port. The specific type of port used can vary depending on the patient's specific medical condition and treatment plan.
Related Terms
- Catheter: A tube that can be inserted into a body cavity, duct, or vessel. Catheters allow drainage, injection of fluids, or access by surgical instruments.
- Vein: Blood vessels that carry blood towards the heart. Most veins carry deoxygenated blood from the tissues back to the heart.
- Hematology: The branch of medicine concerned with the study of the cause, prognosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases related to blood.
- Oncology: A branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Port
- Wikipedia's article - Port
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