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Maintenance of portacath

Question
Hello,
What are the recommendations for maintaining a portacath in order to keep its effectiveness? Are there any care practices to use between antibiotic cures? Thank you for your answers. Sincerely, a patient with cystic fibrosis.


Answer
Hello,

There is no consensus concerning the maintenance of portacath. Some manufacturers recommend flushing in case of intermittent use (between 2 cures of antibiotics for example). No recommendation validates the performance of a heparin or antibiotic lock after use.
I suggest to you on the one hand to refer to the practitioner who poses the portacath to discuss the instructions for use supplied by the manufacturer and on the other hand also to talk to the doctor who follows you in your CF Centre. Indeed, a protocol within the institution about the periodic maintenance indications is maybe already used.

Best regards

Marie-Laure Madec

20.02.2014