[Kevin J]

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Re: PICC vs. PORT..looking for feedback

by Kevin J on Sat Feb 04, 2012 11:21 am

I also had some reverse flow issues (and the associated gymnastics that go with it) for a couple months after getting the port, but no problems since. The turning point seemed to be when they had a particularly difficult time accessing my port - they put in some type of "Drano" to clear the line and since then I have not had an issue. We theorized there was probaly some build up on the end of the catheter, perhaps from the initial procedure to install it. Pushing was no problem, but when checking the reverse flow, the build up sucked into the catheter and prevented the flow (kind of like when the chunks in a milk shake get stuck in the straw). I don't think this is dual port issue since the lines are separate, and actually extend to different lengths within the vein.

[suzierose]

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Re: PICC vs. PORT..looking for feedback

by suzierose on Sun Feb 05, 2012 10:42 am

Hmmmmm,

Can't quite understand what 'reverse flow' means. I see what you are saying about chunks stuck in straw of milkshake. So, does reverse flow then mean because the shake can't get pass the chunks it 'reverse flows' back down inside of up the straw?

hmmmmm

[Kevin J]

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Re: PICC vs. PORT..looking for feedback

by Kevin J on Sun Feb 05, 2012 2:47 pm

When accessing my port, they need to get a good flow both directions. Initially, they "push" fluid (saline solution and heparin) into the port to clear it. Then they "pull", to clear it of the fluids and make sure they have a blood return. I was interpreting "reverse flow" to be the pull portion. Consequently, if there was a bit of build up at the end of the catheter in the vein, it could be sucked back into the catheter and restrict flow, or act like a flap covering the end. One of the reasons we thought this might be the case was that the "Drano" seemed to clear up the problem (i.e., dissolved the build up), plus it only happened with one side of the port, the other never had any issues.