Double Lumen Port

triples15 · Jan 22, 2009

I know there have been tons of threads about ports so sorry to be redundant, but I searched the port threads and found mostly older posts that included anything about double lumen ports and wondered if anyone had more recent experiences with them.

I'm asking because I am on my 3rd PICC in 4 months and they are having a hard time getting them in, even in Interventional Radiology. My doctor is throwing around the idea of placing a port this hospital stay. I always get the double lumen PICC and love it because I'm always on Tobra, and with the double they can draw levels through the other lumen. My concern with a single lumen port is that I would still have to endure multiple lab draws for Tobra levels because they seem to never be able to get the levels right. My veins have been crap lately for lab draws and often endure multiple sticks and digging around with the needle!

My doctor said none of his patients have a double lumen port, but he called IR and they do carry the them and would be willing to place it. So I'm just wondering if anyone has a double lumen port and what they think of it. It makes me nervous that my dr. has no personal experience with them and can't really tell me much about it. I would also welcome any advice in general relating to getting a port.

Thanks and sorry this got lengthy <img src="">

Edited to add:

It looks like I am getting my first port AND my first ever bronch tomorrow morning. I am super nervous. I have decided to go with the single lumen "PowerPort" after discussing it with the entire CF team, nurses here on the floor, and other CF'ers. Today the surgeon came in to talk to me about the "surgery" and told me one of the "most common complications" is them accidently puncturing a lung, in which case I would wake up with a chest tube. Now i am freaking out a little. That in combination with the fact that I don't really know what to expect from the bronch is a little overwhelming. I have read many threads about bronchs and it seems like some people think they're no big deal and others feel like crap after them. Hopefully I won't be in too much pain (from the port) and coughing like crazy (from the bronch) when I wake up!! It may not be a good combination!

triples15 · Jan 22, 2009

I know there have been tons of threads about ports so sorry to be redundant, but I searched the port threads and found mostly older posts that included anything about double lumen ports and wondered if anyone had more recent experiences with them.

I'm asking because I am on my 3rd PICC in 4 months and they are having a hard time getting them in, even in Interventional Radiology. My doctor is throwing around the idea of placing a port this hospital stay. I always get the double lumen PICC and love it because I'm always on Tobra, and with the double they can draw levels through the other lumen. My concern with a single lumen port is that I would still have to endure multiple lab draws for Tobra levels because they seem to never be able to get the levels right. My veins have been crap lately for lab draws and often endure multiple sticks and digging around with the needle!

My doctor said none of his patients have a double lumen port, but he called IR and they do carry the them and would be willing to place it. So I'm just wondering if anyone has a double lumen port and what they think of it. It makes me nervous that my dr. has no personal experience with them and can't really tell me much about it. I would also welcome any advice in general relating to getting a port.

Thanks and sorry this got lengthy <img src="">

Edited to add:

It looks like I am getting my first port AND my first ever bronch tomorrow morning. I am super nervous. I have decided to go with the single lumen "PowerPort" after discussing it with the entire CF team, nurses here on the floor, and other CF'ers. Today the surgeon came in to talk to me about the "surgery" and told me one of the "most common complications" is them accidently puncturing a lung, in which case I would wake up with a chest tube. Now i am freaking out a little. That in combination with the fact that I don't really know what to expect from the bronch is a little overwhelming. I have read many threads about bronchs and it seems like some people think they're no big deal and others feel like crap after them. Hopefully I won't be in too much pain (from the port) and coughing like crazy (from the bronch) when I wake up!! It may not be a good combination!

triples15 · Jan 22, 2009

I know there have been tons of threads about ports so sorry to be redundant, but I searched the port threads and found mostly older posts that included anything about double lumen ports and wondered if anyone had more recent experiences with them.

I'm asking because I am on my 3rd PICC in 4 months and they are having a hard time getting them in, even in Interventional Radiology. My doctor is throwing around the idea of placing a port this hospital stay. I always get the double lumen PICC and love it because I'm always on Tobra, and with the double they can draw levels through the other lumen. My concern with a single lumen port is that I would still have to endure multiple lab draws for Tobra levels because they seem to never be able to get the levels right. My veins have been crap lately for lab draws and often endure multiple sticks and digging around with the needle!

My doctor said none of his patients have a double lumen port, but he called IR and they do carry the them and would be willing to place it. So I'm just wondering if anyone has a double lumen port and what they think of it. It makes me nervous that my dr. has no personal experience with them and can't really tell me much about it. I would also welcome any advice in general relating to getting a port.

Thanks and sorry this got lengthy <img src="">

Edited to add:

It looks like I am getting my first port AND my first ever bronch tomorrow morning. I am super nervous. I have decided to go with the single lumen "PowerPort" after discussing it with the entire CF team, nurses here on the floor, and other CF'ers. Today the surgeon came in to talk to me about the "surgery" and told me one of the "most common complications" is them accidently puncturing a lung, in which case I would wake up with a chest tube. Now i am freaking out a little. That in combination with the fact that I don't really know what to expect from the bronch is a little overwhelming. I have read many threads about bronchs and it seems like some people think they're no big deal and others feel like crap after them. Hopefully I won't be in too much pain (from the port) and coughing like crazy (from the bronch) when I wake up!! It may not be a good combination!

triples15 · Jan 22, 2009

I know there have been tons of threads about ports so sorry to be redundant, but I searched the port threads and found mostly older posts that included anything about double lumen ports and wondered if anyone had more recent experiences with them.

I'm asking because I am on my 3rd PICC in 4 months and they are having a hard time getting them in, even in Interventional Radiology. My doctor is throwing around the idea of placing a port this hospital stay. I always get the double lumen PICC and love it because I'm always on Tobra, and with the double they can draw levels through the other lumen. My concern with a single lumen port is that I would still have to endure multiple lab draws for Tobra levels because they seem to never be able to get the levels right. My veins have been crap lately for lab draws and often endure multiple sticks and digging around with the needle!

My doctor said none of his patients have a double lumen port, but he called IR and they do carry the them and would be willing to place it. So I'm just wondering if anyone has a double lumen port and what they think of it. It makes me nervous that my dr. has no personal experience with them and can't really tell me much about it. I would also welcome any advice in general relating to getting a port.

Thanks and sorry this got lengthy <img src="">

Edited to add:

It looks like I am getting my first port AND my first ever bronch tomorrow morning. I am super nervous. I have decided to go with the single lumen "PowerPort" after discussing it with the entire CF team, nurses here on the floor, and other CF'ers. Today the surgeon came in to talk to me about the "surgery" and told me one of the "most common complications" is them accidently puncturing a lung, in which case I would wake up with a chest tube. Now i am freaking out a little. That in combination with the fact that I don't really know what to expect from the bronch is a little overwhelming. I have read many threads about bronchs and it seems like some people think they're no big deal and others feel like crap after them. Hopefully I won't be in too much pain (from the port) and coughing like crazy (from the bronch) when I wake up!! It may not be a good combination!

triples15 · Jan 22, 2009

I know there have been tons of threads about ports so sorry to be redundant, but I searched the port threads and found mostly older posts that included anything about double lumen ports and wondered if anyone had more recent experiences with them.
 
 I'm asking because I am on my 3rd PICC in 4 months and they are having a hard time getting them in, even in Interventional Radiology. My doctor is throwing around the idea of placing a port this hospital stay. I always get the double lumen PICC and love it because I'm always on Tobra, and with the double they can draw levels through the other lumen. My concern with a single lumen port is that I would still have to endure multiple lab draws for Tobra levels because they seem to never be able to get the levels right. My veins have been crap lately for lab draws and often endure multiple sticks and digging around with the needle!
 
 My doctor said none of his patients have a double lumen port, but he called IR and they do carry the them and would be willing to place it. So I'm just wondering if anyone has a double lumen port and what they think of it. It makes me nervous that my dr. has no personal experience with them and can't really tell me much about it. I would also welcome any advice in general relating to getting a port.
 
 Thanks and sorry this got lengthy <img src="">
 
 Edited to add:
 
 It looks like I am getting my first port AND my first ever bronch tomorrow morning. I am super nervous. I have decided to go with the single lumen "PowerPort" after discussing it with the entire CF team, nurses here on the floor, and other CF'ers. Today the surgeon came in to talk to me about the "surgery" and told me one of the "most common complications" is them accidently puncturing a lung, in which case I would wake up with a chest tube. Now i am freaking out a little. That in combination with the fact that I don't really know what to expect from the bronch is a little overwhelming. I have read many threads about bronchs and it seems like some people think they're no big deal and others feel like crap after them. Hopefully I won't be in too much pain (from the port) and coughing like crazy (from the bronch) when I wake up!! It may not be a good combination!

Ready2Dance · Jan 23, 2009

I actually just had a double lumen placed! I only access one at a time and use it as a single lumen, but I guess you could access and draw labs from the other. I still have good peripheral veins (go figure) so blood draws are typically not a problem. My transplant center was actually excited at the fact that I had a double placed because they can pump more fluids in after the fact... but that's besides the point.

The swelling was pretty rough with mine, but I also have never had a chest port. My other port was in my axillary (armpit, kinda) and I didn't notice much swelling with that one after placement. Also, even after drawing lines on my skin where my bra strap is, my port is still kind of under my strap and rubs funny depending on which side is accessed and how the nurse positioned the needle. So, make sure you're extra clear on the position of where you want the port.

Here's the basics on ports (I don't know what all you know, so I'm just going to gloss over this part): You have the change the needle every week (at least) while you're on antibiotics. It's one of the major perks of having a port. You have that uninterrupted time in the shower without having to worry about dressings getting wet once a week. I use ELMA cream to numb the area before I am re-accessed. I use to do my port myself, but now where it's positioned, I have trouble gripping the little bugger to feel comfortable. You have to alternate which side you access when using a double (or at least my home health care suggests this) Next, you'll have to flush the port monthly when it's not in use. With the double you access both sides at the same time. I have yet to have this done - I can only go about 4 weeks between IV courses so monthly flushing hasn't been an issue.

That's all I can think about for the time being, feel free to PM me if you have any other questions <3

Ready2Dance · Jan 23, 2009

I actually just had a double lumen placed! I only access one at a time and use it as a single lumen, but I guess you could access and draw labs from the other. I still have good peripheral veins (go figure) so blood draws are typically not a problem. My transplant center was actually excited at the fact that I had a double placed because they can pump more fluids in after the fact... but that's besides the point.

The swelling was pretty rough with mine, but I also have never had a chest port. My other port was in my axillary (armpit, kinda) and I didn't notice much swelling with that one after placement. Also, even after drawing lines on my skin where my bra strap is, my port is still kind of under my strap and rubs funny depending on which side is accessed and how the nurse positioned the needle. So, make sure you're extra clear on the position of where you want the port.

Here's the basics on ports (I don't know what all you know, so I'm just going to gloss over this part): You have the change the needle every week (at least) while you're on antibiotics. It's one of the major perks of having a port. You have that uninterrupted time in the shower without having to worry about dressings getting wet once a week. I use ELMA cream to numb the area before I am re-accessed. I use to do my port myself, but now where it's positioned, I have trouble gripping the little bugger to feel comfortable. You have to alternate which side you access when using a double (or at least my home health care suggests this) Next, you'll have to flush the port monthly when it's not in use. With the double you access both sides at the same time. I have yet to have this done - I can only go about 4 weeks between IV courses so monthly flushing hasn't been an issue.

That's all I can think about for the time being, feel free to PM me if you have any other questions <3

Ready2Dance · Jan 23, 2009

I actually just had a double lumen placed! I only access one at a time and use it as a single lumen, but I guess you could access and draw labs from the other. I still have good peripheral veins (go figure) so blood draws are typically not a problem. My transplant center was actually excited at the fact that I had a double placed because they can pump more fluids in after the fact... but that's besides the point.

The swelling was pretty rough with mine, but I also have never had a chest port. My other port was in my axillary (armpit, kinda) and I didn't notice much swelling with that one after placement. Also, even after drawing lines on my skin where my bra strap is, my port is still kind of under my strap and rubs funny depending on which side is accessed and how the nurse positioned the needle. So, make sure you're extra clear on the position of where you want the port.

Here's the basics on ports (I don't know what all you know, so I'm just going to gloss over this part): You have the change the needle every week (at least) while you're on antibiotics. It's one of the major perks of having a port. You have that uninterrupted time in the shower without having to worry about dressings getting wet once a week. I use ELMA cream to numb the area before I am re-accessed. I use to do my port myself, but now where it's positioned, I have trouble gripping the little bugger to feel comfortable. You have to alternate which side you access when using a double (or at least my home health care suggests this) Next, you'll have to flush the port monthly when it's not in use. With the double you access both sides at the same time. I have yet to have this done - I can only go about 4 weeks between IV courses so monthly flushing hasn't been an issue.

That's all I can think about for the time being, feel free to PM me if you have any other questions <3

Ready2Dance · Jan 23, 2009

I actually just had a double lumen placed! I only access one at a time and use it as a single lumen, but I guess you could access and draw labs from the other. I still have good peripheral veins (go figure) so blood draws are typically not a problem. My transplant center was actually excited at the fact that I had a double placed because they can pump more fluids in after the fact... but that's besides the point.

The swelling was pretty rough with mine, but I also have never had a chest port. My other port was in my axillary (armpit, kinda) and I didn't notice much swelling with that one after placement. Also, even after drawing lines on my skin where my bra strap is, my port is still kind of under my strap and rubs funny depending on which side is accessed and how the nurse positioned the needle. So, make sure you're extra clear on the position of where you want the port.

Here's the basics on ports (I don't know what all you know, so I'm just going to gloss over this part): You have the change the needle every week (at least) while you're on antibiotics. It's one of the major perks of having a port. You have that uninterrupted time in the shower without having to worry about dressings getting wet once a week. I use ELMA cream to numb the area before I am re-accessed. I use to do my port myself, but now where it's positioned, I have trouble gripping the little bugger to feel comfortable. You have to alternate which side you access when using a double (or at least my home health care suggests this) Next, you'll have to flush the port monthly when it's not in use. With the double you access both sides at the same time. I have yet to have this done - I can only go about 4 weeks between IV courses so monthly flushing hasn't been an issue.

That's all I can think about for the time being, feel free to PM me if you have any other questions <3

Ready2Dance · Jan 23, 2009

I actually just had a double lumen placed! I only access one at a time and use it as a single lumen, but I guess you could access and draw labs from the other. I still have good peripheral veins (go figure) so blood draws are typically not a problem. My transplant center was actually excited at the fact that I had a double placed because they can pump more fluids in after the fact... but that's besides the point.
 
 The swelling was pretty rough with mine, but I also have never had a chest port. My other port was in my axillary (armpit, kinda) and I didn't notice much swelling with that one after placement. Also, even after drawing lines on my skin where my bra strap is, my port is still kind of under my strap and rubs funny depending on which side is accessed and how the nurse positioned the needle. So, make sure you're extra clear on the position of where you want the port.
 
 Here's the basics on ports (I don't know what all you know, so I'm just going to gloss over this part): You have the change the needle every week (at least) while you're on antibiotics. It's one of the major perks of having a port. You have that uninterrupted time in the shower without having to worry about dressings getting wet once a week. I use ELMA cream to numb the area before I am re-accessed. I use to do my port myself, but now where it's positioned, I have trouble gripping the little bugger to feel comfortable. You have to alternate which side you access when using a double (or at least my home health care suggests this) Next, you'll have to flush the port monthly when it's not in use. With the double you access both sides at the same time. I have yet to have this done - I can only go about 4 weeks between IV courses so monthly flushing hasn't been an issue.
 
 That's all I can think about for the time being, feel free to PM me if you have any other questions <3

Havoc · Jan 23, 2009

I just pulled a double lumen. My 1st PICC was a single lumen. I'm not sure why they seem to be switching to the double lumen, but I find having 2 to secure is quite annoying and unnecessary. If I ever have to have a PICC again I am going to make sure my doc writes the script to specify a single lumen and none of this try and find a deep vein with ultrasound when I have perfectly good veins that can be visualized.

Havoc · Jan 23, 2009

I just pulled a double lumen. My 1st PICC was a single lumen. I'm not sure why they seem to be switching to the double lumen, but I find having 2 to secure is quite annoying and unnecessary. If I ever have to have a PICC again I am going to make sure my doc writes the script to specify a single lumen and none of this try and find a deep vein with ultrasound when I have perfectly good veins that can be visualized.

Havoc · Jan 23, 2009

I just pulled a double lumen. My 1st PICC was a single lumen. I'm not sure why they seem to be switching to the double lumen, but I find having 2 to secure is quite annoying and unnecessary. If I ever have to have a PICC again I am going to make sure my doc writes the script to specify a single lumen and none of this try and find a deep vein with ultrasound when I have perfectly good veins that can be visualized.

Havoc · Jan 23, 2009

I just pulled a double lumen. My 1st PICC was a single lumen. I'm not sure why they seem to be switching to the double lumen, but I find having 2 to secure is quite annoying and unnecessary. If I ever have to have a PICC again I am going to make sure my doc writes the script to specify a single lumen and none of this try and find a deep vein with ultrasound when I have perfectly good veins that can be visualized.

Havoc · Jan 23, 2009

I just pulled a double lumen. My 1st PICC was a single lumen. I'm not sure why they seem to be switching to the double lumen, but I find having 2 to secure is quite annoying and unnecessary. If I ever have to have a PICC again I am going to make sure my doc writes the script to specify a single lumen and none of this try and find a deep vein with ultrasound when I have perfectly good veins that can be visualized.

lilywing · Jan 23, 2009

I didn't know there was such thing as a double lumen port, so I can't help you there. But I did get my first chest port installed on Dec. 3 '08 and I LOVE it! I am so happy that I finally agreed to do it (my doc had been pushing for it). The procedure was so easy, I literally came out of the operating room laughing! I've since used it every 2 weeks, so the standard once-monthly flushing has not been necessary yet. It was swollen for about a week, a little uncomfortable, and it took some getting used to in the mirror! But I am so HAPPY with it, and I wish I would have done it sooner. Save your veins, choose a port!

As for blood draws, my doctor doesn't allow me to have blood drawn from it. He told me that it can put you at greater risk for clotting, etc, so we have a verbal agreement that it is only an incoming port.
It sounds like it might be the solution for you, however, if you are having difficulties with blood work as it is.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

lilywing · Jan 23, 2009

I didn't know there was such thing as a double lumen port, so I can't help you there. But I did get my first chest port installed on Dec. 3 '08 and I LOVE it! I am so happy that I finally agreed to do it (my doc had been pushing for it). The procedure was so easy, I literally came out of the operating room laughing! I've since used it every 2 weeks, so the standard once-monthly flushing has not been necessary yet. It was swollen for about a week, a little uncomfortable, and it took some getting used to in the mirror! But I am so HAPPY with it, and I wish I would have done it sooner. Save your veins, choose a port!

As for blood draws, my doctor doesn't allow me to have blood drawn from it. He told me that it can put you at greater risk for clotting, etc, so we have a verbal agreement that it is only an incoming port.
It sounds like it might be the solution for you, however, if you are having difficulties with blood work as it is.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

lilywing · Jan 23, 2009

I didn't know there was such thing as a double lumen port, so I can't help you there. But I did get my first chest port installed on Dec. 3 '08 and I LOVE it! I am so happy that I finally agreed to do it (my doc had been pushing for it). The procedure was so easy, I literally came out of the operating room laughing! I've since used it every 2 weeks, so the standard once-monthly flushing has not been necessary yet. It was swollen for about a week, a little uncomfortable, and it took some getting used to in the mirror! But I am so HAPPY with it, and I wish I would have done it sooner. Save your veins, choose a port!

As for blood draws, my doctor doesn't allow me to have blood drawn from it. He told me that it can put you at greater risk for clotting, etc, so we have a verbal agreement that it is only an incoming port.
It sounds like it might be the solution for you, however, if you are having difficulties with blood work as it is.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

lilywing · Jan 23, 2009

I didn't know there was such thing as a double lumen port, so I can't help you there. But I did get my first chest port installed on Dec. 3 '08 and I LOVE it! I am so happy that I finally agreed to do it (my doc had been pushing for it). The procedure was so easy, I literally came out of the operating room laughing! I've since used it every 2 weeks, so the standard once-monthly flushing has not been necessary yet. It was swollen for about a week, a little uncomfortable, and it took some getting used to in the mirror! But I am so HAPPY with it, and I wish I would have done it sooner. Save your veins, choose a port!

As for blood draws, my doctor doesn't allow me to have blood drawn from it. He told me that it can put you at greater risk for clotting, etc, so we have a verbal agreement that it is only an incoming port.
It sounds like it might be the solution for you, however, if you are having difficulties with blood work as it is.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

lilywing · Jan 23, 2009

I didn't know there was such thing as a double lumen port, so I can't help you there. But I did get my first chest port installed on Dec. 3 '08 and I LOVE it! I am so happy that I finally agreed to do it (my doc had been pushing for it). The procedure was so easy, I literally came out of the operating room laughing! I've since used it every 2 weeks, so the standard once-monthly flushing has not been necessary yet. It was swollen for about a week, a little uncomfortable, and it took some getting used to in the mirror! But I am so HAPPY with it, and I wish I would have done it sooner. Save your veins, choose a port!
 
 As for blood draws, my doctor doesn't allow me to have blood drawn from it. He told me that it can put you at greater risk for clotting, etc, so we have a verbal agreement that it is only an incoming port.
 It sounds like it might be the solution for you, however, if you are having difficulties with blood work as it is.
 
 Hope this helps. Good luck!

Double Lumen Port

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