A Physician’s Perspective: Greg Martin, MD, Implantable Port

Greg Martin, MD explains the benefits of implantable ports.

Why would someone want/need this service performed?

Patients are referred to us for an implantable port when they are going to need chemotherapy or some other type of long-term medication. The port is easy to access and keeps the patient from getting multiple IV pokes.

Describe the procedure in layman’s/conversational terms (first this, then this, afterwards expect this, etc.)

The procedure is simple. We make a small incision in the chest and run a catheter the size of a spaghetti noodle through the veins where the medication can be released safely. When the procedure is done, there is nothing left on the outside of the skin. We place the actual infusion port underneath the skin and close it using surgical glue. You will feel the port under your skin but otherwise won’t know it is there.

What value do you find in performing this procedure? (Why do you like performing this procedure?)

When patients are facing new cancer treatments or any long-term medication, they are already nervous on multiple levels. I get to play a small role in the first steps of their battle against cancer. It is satisfying to know that the port is going to make their life and cancer treatments so much easier. I know that they have enough to worry about, and this is just one less thing.

Find more information here and call us – Port Placement