Port-a-Catheter Insertion & Removal The porta-catheter is a catheter inserted by a surgeon when long-term intravenous access is required. It is placed under the skin and into the large vein that leads to the heart. At the end of the catheter is a hollow disk that remains under the skin for accessing the port with a needle. Ultrasound or x-ray imaging is used to assure accurate placement. Before passing the catheter into the vein, a portion of the catheter is passed through a small track under the skin. This decreases the chance of the catheter becoming dislodged and/or infected. The catheter can be used as soon as proper placement is confirmed. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia with IV sedation or with general anesthesia and the patient asleep. There may be some discomfort at the catheter entry site for a few days. Patients are taught to protect the insertion site from water during showering. Patients should consult their physician for a complete explanation of the procedure and its associated risks and complications.