Chest devices and artefacts

Portacath for Cystic Fibrosis

This tube, known as a potacath lies entirely under the skin. The line enters the subclavian vein just below the clavicle. At the 'drum' end there is a membrane (*) to allow delivery of drugs via a needle.

These lines are used for delivery of long term antibiotics, in conditions such as cystic fibrosis.

Note the underlying lungs are abnormal with a coarse, reticular (net-like) shadowing, and parallel 'tram-lines,' indicating bronchiectasis, a typical feature of cystic fibrosis.