Long-Term Access Specialist

What is long-term access?

Long-term access is one of the many services offered at University Vascular. The state-of-the-art practice is uniquely suited to treat a wide range of vascular conditions at the office in their endovascular procedure suites. 

With long-term access, the board-certified vascular surgeons place an IV port under your skin to help you get the medical care you need without having to endure the pain caused by repeated needle sticks.  

Am I a candidate for long-term access?

University Vascular works closely with you and your other health care providers to determine if you’re a candidate for long-term access. You may benefit from a permanent or semi-permanent IV port if you need:

• Chemotherapy 
• Long-term antibiotics
• Regular IV infusions for management of a chronic condition
• Long-term IV nutrition support
• Frequent blood draws

University Vascular also performs long-term access procedures for dialysis. 

What are the types of long-term access ports?

There are many types of long-term access ports. The type of port you need depends on the medical condition. 

Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)

A PICC line is placed in a vein in your arm. You may benefit from PICC line placement if you need a semi-permanent port for medication administration. 

Port-a-cath

A port-a-cath is a long-term access port placed under the skin on the right side of your chest. A catheter is inserted into a large vein above your heart. University Vascular uses the port-a-cath to draw blood and administer IV medication.

Central line

With a central line, University Vascular inserts a catheter into a large vein in your collarbone or neck, and threads it to an exit point in your upper chest. They use a central line for medication and nutrition support.

A central venous line is also a long-term access option for dialysis. 

Arteriovenous (AV) fistula

An AV fistula is a dialysis access port. It connects an artery to a vein in your arm to create the long-term access port. 

AV graft

An AV graft is a medical device that creates an artificial artery and vein to serve as your long-term dialysis access. 

What happens after the placement of my long-term access?

After placement of your long-term access at University Vascular, your provider schedules regular follow-ups to monitor and care for your port. 

They can replace your port as needed and treat complications like an infection or inflammation.

You may benefit from long-term access for the management of a chronic health condition. To learn more about access options, call University Vascular or book an appointment online today.