"Is this surgery?"
Placing an under-the-skin venous access device is minor surgery, performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. Although there will be a small incision, the CVAC is simply placed underneath your skin.

"Where do you put the CVAC or venous access device?"
That depends on your anatomy, the reason for placement and the physician's recommendation. Ultimately, it is your choice. Typically, the CVAC is placed near the jugular vein on the upper chest next to the bottom of your collarbone. Occasionally, the upper arm is used. The physician will try to avoid obvious places, such as your arms or middle chest area.

"How do I take care of it?"
The answer to this question varies. You will be given comprehensive instructions before you leave the hospital, and your home health nurse is skilled in helping you with this process as well. Of course, you or your nurse may contact us should there be any questions or concerns.

"Will it hurt every time it's accessed?"
It stings a little bit each time the port is accessed with a needle, because the opening is covered with your skin. But the area will develop a callus, so eventually it won't be so bad.

"How long will the CVAC stay in?"
If it's taken care of properly, a CVAC can stay in for up to two years. When it's time for removal, the procedure is similar to the one when it was inserted. You will be sedated while an incision is made and the device is removed.

"Will my body reject this foreign object?"
This complication is very rare, but it does happen. When your body rejects the CVAC, it is immediately removed.