From the Guidelines
Yes, a patient should lay flat after removal of a central venous access port (port-a-cath) to reduce the risk of air embolus, with the exit site below the heart 1.
Key Considerations
- The patient should be positioned in a way that minimizes the risk of air embolism, with the exit site below the heart 1.
- Firm digital pressure should be applied for at least 5 minutes, followed by an occlusive dressing 1.
- The patient should be monitored for any signs of bleeding, swelling, or other complications.
- For patients with cuffed devices or ports, surgical cut-downs may be necessary due to the development of complex adherent fibrin sleeves and scar tissue 1.
Additional Precautions
- Routine culture of tips is not considered necessary 1.
- Persistent bleeding may require a skin stitch 1.
- Patients on anticoagulant medications may need to have their dose adjusted or held temporarily as advised by their physician.
From the Research
Patient Positioning After Central Venous Access Port Removal
There is no direct evidence in the provided studies regarding the necessity of laying flat after removal of a central venous access port (port-a-cath).
- The studies provided focus on patient positioning after various medical procedures, including cardiac catheterization 2, spine surgery 3, burr hole craniostomy for chronic subdural haematoma 4, lumbar puncture 5, and colonoscopy 6.
- None of these studies specifically address the removal of a central venous access port or the required patient positioning after such a procedure.
- As a result, there is no research evidence available in the provided studies to determine whether a patient needs to lay flat after removal of a central venous access port.