how many porta caths?

I came across a patient who had 3 porta caths implanted.... I thought ony one was needed? Is this common to have more than one?
Were they all functional??

Recently deceased patient that had very advanced gastric CA had two ports placed at the same time. Not sure exactly why. But if sure was nice when she had TPN + continuous 5FU + PCA + maintenance fluids.

We had a pt with two. One in the chest as usual, the other in his abdomen. it was used to drain ascites from his abdomen on a twice-weekly basis. It was much easier on him than having paracentesis needles placed twice a week. We'd access his port with a huber, attach a line to a vacuum bottle, and drain of 2 -4 liters.

Huh, that's cool mappers.

Were they all venous? A port can be placed in an artery (usually will see this in liver Ca)..in a body cavity.....in abdomen (usually for chemo).even in the epidural space. I am assuming they were all functional..b/c they usually take them out if they become non-functional to reduce the risk for infection

I've seen double portacaths that are all one piece, but have two ports. I've never heard of having more than one. If someone needs a lot of IV access a central line makes more sense. I somewhat regularly see patients with more than one central line or with a central line plus a portacath.