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We have been asked to provide port maintenance supplies for a port that has been placed intra-abdominally for frequent paracentesis at home.  Is anyone familiar with this use?  If it is not intravascular does it require the same rigerous treatment i.e. sterile access, heparin flush?  The physician directing care is an intervential radiologist, he contacted the mfg of the port and was advised to use 20 mls of heparin?? Unfortunately the patient does not have insurance and we are hoping to keep cost down for him. Thanks for any input.  Mary Jane Warrington, RN CM