Extravasation of infusate via implanted ports: two case studies

Over the past two decades, implanted ports have become widely used infusion therapy devices. Although these devices have revolutionized the care of patients with cancer and are used routinely to administer various treatments, complications still can occur. Nurses must be vigilant in identifying potential and actual port-related problems and aware that radiological studies may not immediately reveal a problem. Two unique case studies are described in which extravasation complications occurred despite negative initial catheter dye studies. A clinical algorithm is presented that outlines the management of a suspected port extravasation.