A Portacath, also known as an implantable venous port, is a small medical device implanted under the skin to provide long-term access to a central vein. It is commonly used for patients who require frequent intravenous treatments, such as chemotherapy, long-term antibiotics, blood transfusions, or nutritional support.

The device consists of two parts:

• A small chamber (the port) implanted beneath the skin, usually in the upper chest.

• A thin catheter connected to the port that is inserted into a central vein, often the subclavian or internal jugular vein, and advanced into the superior vena cava.

The port is accessed using a special needle through the skin, allowing medications or fluids to be delivered directly into the bloodstream with minimal discomfort. Because it is entirely under the skin, the Portacath allows for greater mobility, lower infection risk, and is more discreet than external lines.