Port A Cath Complications Symptoms

A vascular access device called a port-a-cath is a necessary medical device for many people with chronic health conditions, from cancer to kidney failure. Often simplified to “port,” it makes medication delivery and blood draws much easier. However, no medical intervention is without risk, and Port A Caths are no exception. 

What Is a Port A Cath? 

If you have a port and are suffering from complications, you probably already know how the device works. However, a refresher can help you understand why and how some of the complications may develop. 

The port is located under the skin, usually on the right side of your chest. From the port, a thin tube called a catheter is connected to a vein, usually the superior vena cava. Once inserted, the Port A Cath can remain in place for years and can be used to draw blood and deliver fluids and treatments. 

Of course, the device is a foreign object in your body, and it’s subject to failure or complications. To be a well-informed patient and to advocate for yourself, it’s helpful to know what symptoms to look out for should you experience any complications with your Port A Cath. 

Common Port A Cath Complications

Overall, the complication rate of a port is 7.2-12.5%. While many complications can arise, two of the most common complications of Port A Caths are thrombosis (blood clots) in or around the port and infection. In people with a Port A Cath who develop a clot, the clot usually forms in the arm. Infection often happens near the Port A Cath itself.  

Symptoms of Common Port A Cath Complications 

When you know the symptoms of these common yet serious complications, you can act quickly if they happen to you. 

Symptoms of Port A Cath blood clot

• Swelling
• Pain
• Cramps
• Warm skin
• Discolored skin

Symptoms of Port A Cath infection 

• Fever
• Chills
• Hypotension
• Red, warm, and/or tender skin
• Pus

If you have a Port A Cath and you notice any of the above symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or head to your nearest emergency room. Blood clots and infections can be life-threatening and should be taken seriously. These are also conditions that you should act on with some urgency; the longer they go untreated, the more dangerous and difficult to treat they become. 

Less Common Port A Cath Complications

Blood clots and infection are some of the most common complications of a Port-A-Cath, but they aren’t the only ones. Other Port-A-Cath complications are possible as well, including: 

• Malpositioning of the catheter causing arterial injury
• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
• Hemothorax (blood in the space between the chest wall and the lung)
• Thoracic duct injury
• Cardiac tamponade (pressure on the heart) 
• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Air embolism (air bubbles in a blood vessel) 
• Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung)
• Venous stenosis (narrowing or blockage of veins)
• Catheter pinch-off, fracture, and migration
• Catheter embolization 

Symptoms of Port A Cath catheter malpositioning

• Malpositioning is often discovered on a radiograph
• Symptoms often include further complications such as pneumothorax or a malfunctioning catheter 

Symptoms of Port A Cath arterial injury

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Swelling 
• Bump under the skin (not to be confused with the bump of your port) 

Symptoms of Port A Cath pneumothorax

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Blue tinted skin
• Dry cough
• Rapid heart rate
• Rapid respiratory rate

Symptoms of Port A Cath hemothorax

• Chest pain
• Heavy feeling in the chest
• Anxiety
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid respiratory rate
• Rapid heartbeat
• Cold sweats
• Pallor
• Fever

Symptoms of Port A Cath thoracic duct injury

• Often asymptomatic but can be seen on an x-ray

Symptoms of Port A Cath cardiac tamponade

• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Discomfort, especially when lying down
• Fainting
• Feeling lightheaded
• Heart palpitations
• Rapid breathing
• Jaundice
• Swollen legs or abdomen
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Weak pulse

Symptoms of Port A Cath arrhythmia

• Fluttering in chest
• Fast or slow heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Anxiety
• Fatigue
• Feeling lightheaded
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Fainting

Symptoms of Port A Cath air embolism

• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing 
• Chest pain
• Seizure
• Loss of consciousness
• Altered mental state
• Partial paralysis 

Symptoms of Port A Cath Pulmonary Embolism

• Shortness of breath
• Pain when breathing
• Increased respiratory rate
• Increased heart rate 

Symptoms of Port A Cath venous stenosis

• Headaches
• Ringing in the ears
• Blurred vision
• Vision loss 

Symptoms of Port A Cath pinch-off, fracture, and migration

• Shoulder pain 
• Pain during infusions
• Sweating and pain at the insertion site 
• Malfunctioning port
• Heart palpitations
• Chest pain
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea

Symptoms of Port A Cath catheter embolization 

• Arrhythmia
• Blood clots
• Infection

If you have a port and believe you are experiencing any of the symptoms of these less common Port A Cath complications, seek care with your healthcare provider or your nearest emergency room. 

What To Do if You Have Port A Cath Complications

Ports are necessary medical devices for many people and conditions, and when functioning correctly, they can take some of the stress out of living with a chronic condition. When they don’t function correctly, however, they can make living with a chronic condition that much more stressful. 

Many Port A Cath complications are serious, causing lasting harm or even death. That's why many people who have faced complications due to their Port A Cath have filed lawsuits on behalf of themselves or their loved ones. Many Port A Cath devices have even been recalled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). When it comes to device malfunction or complications, the party at fault can vary and may include the device manufacturer, the marketing company for the device, or the healthcare company that fitted your device. If you’re looking to file a Port A Cath lawsuit, an attorney can examine your situation to help you determine if you have a case and who the responsible party is for your situation.