The port system is implanted under the skin in sterile conditions below the collar bone, in the area of the large pectoral muscle. In slim patients only a small bump under the skin is visible, otherwise the system is not seen at all. Once the port system is no longer needed, it can be removed in a short outpatient procedure.

The Port-a-Cath system is usually implanted under local anaesthesia and general sedation.

The Port-a-Cath system must be punctured with special needles ("Gripper needle") only by appropriately trained medical staff. The puncture must be performed under sterile conditions.At the end of the infusion, before removal of the needle, the system must be flushed with heparinized saline in order to prevent thrombosis.

In case of fever, chills and malaise with no other reason, the possibility of an infection of the port system may be present. A clinical examination and blood tests for inflammation and culture for microorganism need to be performed.

This is a medical emergency, that needs to be clarified further in a hospital without delay.