Injection port
Encyclopedia
An injection port is a medical device used for the administration of insulin
or other physician approved medicine into the subcutaneous tissue
(the tissue layer just below the skin). The device is similar to infusion sets
used by insulin pumps
, except it is configured to receive a syringe
instead of a tubing system.
An injection port is usually a disposable device applied by the patient and worn for period of 3-5 days. When giving shots via an injection port, the needle stays above the surface of the skin. Medication is delivered via a short, soft cannula
.
An injection port can be used in conjunction with multiple daily injections of insulin by people with diabetes. It can also be used for the subcutaneous administration of any other physician prescribed medication
. The needle and cannula are manually inserted into the patient's tissue. Immediately after insertion the needle is removed and the cannula remains below the surface of the skin.
Ports are usually worn on the abdomen, but can also be worn on other areas such as the buttocks, thigh or arm. Typical injection ports are worn for 3-5 days and then replaced with another port.
Insulin is injected via a syringe into the injection port. Medication immediately flows through the device's cannula into the subcutaneous tissue layer. No medication is stored in the device (other than the small amount of dead-space in the medication channel within the device).
.
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone central to regulating carbohydrate and fat metabolism in the body. Insulin causes cells in the liver, muscle, and fat tissue to take up glucose from the blood, storing it as glycogen in the liver and muscle....
or other physician approved medicine into the subcutaneous tissue
Subcutaneous tissue
The hypodermis, also called the hypoderm, subcutaneous tissue, or superficial fascia is the lowermost layer of the integumentary system in vertebrates. Types of cells that are found in the hypodermis are fibroblasts, adipose cells, and macrophages...
(the tissue layer just below the skin). The device is similar to infusion sets
Infusion set
An infusion set is used with an insulin pump as part of intensive insulin therapy. The purpose of an infusion set is to deliver insulin under the skin...
used by insulin pumps
Insulin pump
The insulin pump is a medical device used for the administration of insulin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, also known as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy.The device includes:...
, except it is configured to receive a syringe
Syringe
A syringe is a simple pump consisting of a plunger that fits tightly in a tube. The plunger can be pulled and pushed along inside a cylindrical tube , allowing the syringe to take in and expel a liquid or gas through an orifice at the open end of the tube...
instead of a tubing system.
An injection port is usually a disposable device applied by the patient and worn for period of 3-5 days. When giving shots via an injection port, the needle stays above the surface of the skin. Medication is delivered via a short, soft cannula
Cannula
A cannula or canula is a tube that can be inserted into the body, often for the delivery or removal of fluid or for the gathering of data...
.
An injection port can be used in conjunction with multiple daily injections of insulin by people with diabetes. It can also be used for the subcutaneous administration of any other physician prescribed medication
Applying, Wearing and Using
Injection ports are usually applied by the patient. The device comes with a needle surrounded by a soft cannulaCannula
A cannula or canula is a tube that can be inserted into the body, often for the delivery or removal of fluid or for the gathering of data...
. The needle and cannula are manually inserted into the patient's tissue. Immediately after insertion the needle is removed and the cannula remains below the surface of the skin.
Ports are usually worn on the abdomen, but can also be worn on other areas such as the buttocks, thigh or arm. Typical injection ports are worn for 3-5 days and then replaced with another port.
Insulin is injected via a syringe into the injection port. Medication immediately flows through the device's cannula into the subcutaneous tissue layer. No medication is stored in the device (other than the small amount of dead-space in the medication channel within the device).
Advantages of Injection Ports
- Reduces skin punctures
- Reduces fear and anxiety associated with multiple daily injections
- Reduces bruising around injection site
- No need to wear an insulin pumpInsulin pumpThe insulin pump is a medical device used for the administration of insulin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, also known as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy.The device includes:...
- Viable alternative to standard injections
Disadvantages of Injection Ports
- Injection ports must be obtained in addition to syringes and medication
- Ports are sometimes not covered by insurance
- Patient still has to administer shots
Insuflon
The Insuflon, manufactured and distributed by Unomedical, is inserted at a 20-45° angle and rests flush against the skin similar to an IVIntravenous therapy
Intravenous therapy or IV therapy is the infusion of liquid substances directly into a vein. The word intravenous simply means "within a vein". Therapies administered intravenously are often called specialty pharmaceuticals...
.