Modern IV or intravenous treatment methods are less than a century old. The IV use of saline solutions started in the early 1900s. It was further developed in the 1930s, and was widely available from the 1950s. The main advantage of IV treatment is that it allows healthcare professionals to administer accurate doses of a medication quickly. However, there’s always the risk of infections or damaged veins.
Port implant is the new medical innovation, which gets rid of the discomfort and fear of needles associated with frequent IV treatments. The implantable port market was valued at $490 million 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 7% from 2023 to 2033. It’s a tiny surgically implanted device offering a direct gateway to the bloodstream.
The port implant is not only a good alternative to conventional IV methods but also helps in managing several acute and chronic conditions effectively. In this article, we will discuss port implants and diseases that can be controlled by these medical devices.
1. Chronic Kidney Disease
Around 35.5 million Americans have kidney disease, 808,000 Americans are living with kidney failure, and over 557,000 Americans are on dialysis. For those living with kidney disease, regular dialysis becomes a lifeline. And yet, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S.
Port implants have revolutionized the entire dialysis process by making it more convenient and effective. Since these implants are surgically placed, they offer an accurate access point for dialysis. Unlike traditional IV methods, ports do not cause damaged veins, thrombosis, and infection.
These medical devices also enable higher blood flow rates compared to IV. It means waste products and toxins are removed faster and efficiently resulting in shorter dialysis sessions and improved treatment outcomes.
2. Cancer
According to the latest shocking data from the National Cancer Institute, the U.S. will witness around two million new cancer cases in 2024 and 611,720 deaths from the disease. Data shows that around 25% of Americans with cancer receive chemotherapy yearly. With a port implant, cancer patients can receive chemotherapy reliably and efficiently without having to deal with needles.
Port implants mitigate the risk of infection and extravasation to ensure safer chemo sessions for the patient. And for those undergoing long-term chemotherapy treatment, this translates into a whole lot of convenience. The patient can focus on their healing and recovery in the absence of discomfort and complications associated with chemo sessions.
3. Blood Diseases
Diseases like sickle cell anemia or hemophilia require patients to receive frequent blood transfusions. These diseases impact patients’ immune systems, making infections a significant concern. But with the use of port implants in transfusions, this risk goes down significantly.
The ease and efficiency of port-based transfusions greatly improve the quality of life for those with blood disorders. With the risks and challenges associated with frequent needle pricking, blood disease patients can enjoy better flexibility. This empowers them to pursue educational opportunities, fulfilling careers, and active lifestyles.
4. Other Illnesses
Apart from diseases that require intravenous administration of medications, ports are used in managing various other chronic conditions as well. These include autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease. It can also be used for parenteral nutrition and chronic pain management.
This versatility of ports is what makes them invaluable in modern medicine. Research is being conducted to expand their application and offer new treatment avenues. With so much potential, port implants are capable of improving the quality of life for countless patients across a wide spectrum of medical conditions.
Understanding the Risk
It would be unfair to end this article without addressing the risks of port implants. Like every other human innovation, port implants are not without risks. According to TorHoerman Law, some ports are more dangerous than others like Bard PowerPort. This particular port implant has been associated with a higher risk of serious complications and injury due to catheter failure.
There have been reports of blood clots, implant site necrosis, deep vein thrombosis, and fracture among others due to Bard PowerPort implant. There’s an active Bard PowerPort lawsuit alleging that the catheter material degrades over time and causes severe infections, fractures, migration, and other severe health complications.
Therefore, it’s imperative to consult and discuss with your healthcare professional about the safety and long term implications of the port implant being used. Ask your doctor about the brand of the port and if there are any reports of health risks associated with that particular brand.
By being proactive about your safety and asking questions about the port implant, you can reduce any chance of health implications. Long-term health risks aside, port implants are a medical marvel designed to improve the quality of life of patients. Their ability to provide direct access to the bloodstream results in improved treatment efficiency and lower risk of complications.
Check out our blog for more interesting reads.
