Receiving chemotherapy via an infusion device

If you are prescribed a chemotherapy drug called 5-Fluorouracil (5Fu), you will take it through a small device that delivers the medicine directly into your vein.

The infusion device connects to an intravenous line in your vein. This could be:

• a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in your arm, or
• an implantable port (also known as a port-a-cath) inserted under your skin, usually on your chest.

Once connected, the infusion device gives your chemotherapy continuously over several days.

A nurse will connect the infusion device to your PICC or port. They will then check the tubing to make sure it is not bent or blocked. You will have a bag for the infusion device so you can carry it easily during treatment.

When the infusion device is first connected, the balloon containing the treatment will be full (see Pic 1 below). Over the next dew days, the balloon will gradually shrink (see Pic 2 and Pic 3).

Check the device in the morning and evening. You should see the balloon changing shape and getting smaller. This shows the medication is going in.

• When you go to bed, place the device at bedside-table height. This helps the medication to flow properly. Placing the device above your head level or on the floor can interrupt the flow.
• Take care that your device does not get caught in clothes or sheets. This can pull on the tubing attached to your PICC or port.
• Keep the infusion device away from pets and children.
• Keep the infusion device dry when washing or showering.
• Do not disconnect the device. Keep it attached at all times.

You will have an appointment at the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre to have the device removed. Sometimes, if it’s suitable, we may refer you to your district nursing team to do this instead.

A nurse will disconnect the device from your PICC or port. They will then flush your line with saline.

Please note: 

Do not cut through the line attached to the infusion device.

Do not disconnect the infusion device from your PICC or port.

There is leakage from the infusion device or the tubing

• When you check that the balloon is going down, also check that the connection to the PICC or port is not loose.
• Look for any cracks in the outer layer of the device.
• Call the chemotherapy advice line on 020 3447 3893.

The balloon does not seem to be getting smaller

• Check that any clamps on your PICC or port are open.
• Check the tubing for bends, kinks or folds that could block the medication.
• Call the chemotherapy advice line on 020 3447 3893.

There is swelling or pain at the PICC or port site

• Call the chemotherapy advice line on 020 3447 3893.

Chemotherapy advice line: 020 3447 3893

The chemotherapy advice line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.