More than 3.4 million cardiovascular venous access catheters (CVCs) are placed each year. CVCs are typically recommended for people who have: chemotherapy treatments, infusions of antibiotics, or other medications, nutritional supplements, or hemodialysis. Data from the Society of Cardiovascular & Interventional Radiology Web site.

"Is this surgery?" "Where do you put the CVAC or venous access device?" "How do I take care of it?" "Will it hurt every time it's accessed?" "How long will the CVAC stay in?" "Will my body reject this foreign object?"

What It Is
The insertion of a tube beneath your skin that provides a simple, pain-free way for physicians or nurses to draw your blood or give you medication or nutrients. Some devices are completely under the skin, while others have one or two tubes coming out of the skin.

There are many types of venous access devices. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC Lines) are usually for access of less than three months duration. Hemodialysis catheters can be placed directly into a vein or under the skin and into a vein. Cardiovascular access catheter (CVAC)--which is also known as a "port"--is placed completely under the skin. CVACs spare you the irritation and discomfort of repeated needle sticks into a vein.

How It's Performed
While you are sedated and the skin is anesthetized, the physician makes a puncture or incision and places the venous access device. If there is an incision, it is closed with Dermabond, a material similar to Crazy Glue. There are no sutures to remove.

After closing the incision, the physician makes sure the CVAC works properly by flushing it with saline or sometimes x-ray dye. If necessary, the physician changes your position several times to make sure the device works from all angles.

What to Expect After the Procedure
You will be observed for 1-3 hours after the procedure, and shown how to change the incision dressing yourself. Most patients go home the same day as the procedure.

The port will appear as a little bump, and will be thicker and a little redder than the rest of your skin.