How often should a power port be flushed once finished with herceptin (trastuzumab) and chemo? why does it need flushed?

Once: It is important to flush the medication from the line ;so just after access and before to make sure it works. It is usually flushed with saline or a very dilute heparin solution both of which are just as effective. If it is not being used it needs to be removed. All the best.

Keep patent, open: The PowerPort Implantable Port is used for patient therapies that require repeated access to the vascular system. There are protocols in place depending on the lumen and catheter volume and reservoir volume. Depending on the procedure, varying amounts of sterile saline followed by heparinized saline are used to flush. This keeps the lumen open not obstructed. Ask your nurse about protocol details.

Monthly: Standard protocol has been to flush ports at least monthly. Maintaining ports is important to prevent clots, and to keep ports usable for later chemo if needed.