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Treatment and the treatment process

Removing the access device

When treatment ends or a problem arises, a catheter or port is removed; your team decides.

Last updated: ~1 min read
The line is out — Removing the access device
Figure 1.The line is out — Removing the access device

01Short answer

A PICC and some catheters are removed on the ward by gently pulling. A tunnelled line or port needs a small procedure under local anaesthetic. Sometimes a port is kept for a while after treatment. Keep the site dry for a few days after removal.

02Simple explanation

Topic. removing a catheter or port.

Ask. Your team will explain your own situation.

Write down. Your questions.

Overview. The article “Catheters, PICC lines and ports”.

03Scientific explanation

Timing: removal is often planned once blood counts recover.

Cuff: a tunnelled line has a cuff under the skin, so a small cut is needed.

04What happens in the body?

Removing a catheter or port

A PICC and some catheters are removed on the ward by gently pulling. A tunnelled line or port needs a small procedure under local anaesthetic. Sometimes a port is kept for a while after treatment. Keep the site dry for a few days after removal.

In more detail

Timing: removal is often planned once blood counts recover. Cuff: a tunnelled line has a cuff under the skin, so a small cut is needed.

A small scar — Removing the access device
Figure 2.A small scar — Removing the access device

The overview

This article goes deep into one subject. For the bigger picture, see “Catheters, PICC lines and ports”.

The last day — Removing the access device
Figure 3.The last day — Removing the access device

05Removing a catheter or port: the steps

Four steps.

Decision — The team.1DecisionThe team.
Procedure — Short.2ProcedureShort.
Dressing — A few days.3DressingA few days.
Healing — Keep watch.4HealingKeep watch.

06After removal

SignWhat it may beWhat to do
Slight bleedingNormalPressure and a dressing
Redness, swellingInfectionTell your team
Temperature 38 °C or aboveInfectionContact your team now

07Key terms

Cuff
A ring holding the line under the skin.
PICC
A central line placed through the arm.

08Key points

  • Everyone’s plan is individual.
  • Write down and bring your questions.
  • Report new symptoms early.
  • Do not change medicines yourself.
  • For food, see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”.
  • Overview: “Catheters, PICC lines and ports”.

09Frequently asked questions

Is removal painful?

Usually quick and done with local anaesthetic.

Is this the same for everyone?

No; the plan depends on the type of leukaemia and your situation.

Where is the overview?

In the article “Catheters, PICC lines and ports”.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is removal painful?

  2. Is this the same for everyone?

  3. Where is the overview?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Central venous catheters – ports
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Definition of central venous catheter – NCI Dictionary
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Definition of port – NCI Dictionary
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Biomarker Testing / Precision Medicine
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Nausea and Vomiting and Cancer Treatment
  6. MedlinePlus. Echocardiogram
  7. MedlinePlus. Graft-versus-host disease
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Definition of complete remission – NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  9. American Cancer Society. Treatment Response Rates for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
  10. American Cancer Society. Living as an Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Survivor
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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