Answering the Question: Is a port metal or plastic?

October 1, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, totally implantable venous access devices (ports) have been in use for more than three decades as a safe and effective option for long-term treatment. When considering these devices, a common question is: is a port metal or plastic? The answer is that ports can be made from several different materials, including metal (titanium), plastic (polymer), or a combination of both.

Quick Summary

An implanted port for long-term intravenous access is typically constructed from either metal or plastic materials, sometimes combined. The choice of material affects durability and compatibility with medical imaging procedures like MRIs.

Key Points

Dual-Material Construction: Implanted ports can be made of plastic, metal (titanium), or a hybrid of both materials.
Material Matters for Imaging: Plastic ports are generally more compatible with MRI scans, while traditional metal ports can cause artifacts.
Durability vs. Weight: Titanium ports are highly durable and resist needle damage, whereas plastic ports are lighter but may show minor surface wear over time.
Hybrid Ports Offer a Balance: Hybrid devices combine the durability of a titanium base with the imaging compatibility and lightness of a plastic shell.
Clinical Decision: The choice of port material is made by a healthcare provider based on the patient's medical history, treatment plan, and anticipated need for diagnostic imaging.
Catheter is Key: The port's catheter, which is connected to the central vein, is typically made of flexible silicone or polyurethane, regardless of the port reservoir's material.

The Dual-Material Composition of Implanted Ports

An implanted port is a small, disc-shaped device placed entirely under the skin, usually in the upper chest, to provide reliable, long-term access to a patient's bloodstream. This is particularly useful for those who require frequent blood draws, transfusions, or infusions of medication like chemotherapy. The device consists of a small, central chamber, or reservoir, covered by a self-sealing septum, which is connected to a soft, flexible tube called a catheter.

While the catheter is typically made of medical-grade silicone or polyurethane, the main body of the port—the disc that lies just under the skin—can vary in its core construction. It is this component that can be made from either metal or plastic, or in some cases, a hybrid of both, to offer specific benefits depending on the patient's needs.

Exploring Different Port Materials

Metal (Titanium) Ports

For many years, titanium has been a preferred material for port construction. It is a strong, biocompatible material that is well-tolerated by the body and highly resistant to repeated punctures from the special non-coring needles used for access. The robust nature of titanium ports makes them a reliable choice for prolonged use and for patients with high-frequency access requirements. However, some traditional titanium ports can create artifacts (streaks or distortions) on certain diagnostic imaging scans, like MRI, which can obscure the results.

Plastic (Polymer) Ports

Plastic ports, often made from high-grade polymers such as polyoxymethylene (POM), are a lighter-weight alternative to their metal counterparts. The key advantage of plastic ports is their minimal interference with diagnostic imaging, making them more compatible with MRIs. This is an important consideration for patients who may require frequent or specific types of imaging. However, a study highlighted a potential drawback: the repeated impact of a non-coring steel needle on the plastic surface can cause surface alterations, which may affect flushing efficacy over time.

Hybrid Ports

To combine the best features of both materials, hybrid ports are available. These devices often feature a titanium base for durability and resistance to needle strikes, paired with a plastic shell to minimize weight and reduce imaging artifacts. This design offers a balance of strength and imaging compatibility, making it a versatile option for many patients.

Comparing Metal and Plastic Ports


Feature	Metal (Titanium) Ports	Plastic (Polymer) Ports	Hybrid Ports
Durability	Highly durable and resistant to needle damage.	Less durable over time with repeated punctures.	Strong, combining durability with lighter weight.
Weight	Heavier than plastic ports.	Lighter and more comfortable for some patients.	Lighter than pure titanium ports.
Imaging Compatibility	Can cause artifacts on some scans; modern versions are MRI conditional.	MRI compatible with minimal artifact creation.	Improved MRI compatibility while maintaining strength.
Risk of Surface Damage	Very low risk of surface degradation from needle impacts.	Potential for minor surface damage from repeated needle hits.	Low risk due to the durable titanium base.

How Healthcare Providers Choose a Port

The decision of which port material to use is a clinical one, made in consultation with the patient and based on several factors, including the type and duration of treatment, the patient's anatomy, and the need for future diagnostic procedures.

Long-Term vs. Short-Term Use: For very long-term or highly frequent access needs, a durable titanium or hybrid port might be preferred due to its resistance to surface wear.
Required Imaging: If the patient's treatment plan includes regular or high-pressure MRI or CT scans, a plastic or MRI-conditional hybrid port may be the best choice to prevent imaging interference.
Patient Preference and Comfort: The lighter weight of plastic or hybrid devices can be more comfortable for some individuals, though the difference is often subtle once implanted beneath the skin.

The Role of the Catheter

Regardless of whether the port reservoir is metal or plastic, the attached catheter plays a crucial role. This tube, typically made of silicone or polyurethane, is threaded into a large central vein and is designed to be soft and flexible to minimize irritation. A port system's success depends on the integrity of both the port body and the catheter, as well as meticulous care to prevent complications like infection or clotting.

For more detailed information on living with and caring for an implanted port, consider consulting resources from reputable institutions like the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.(https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/your-implanted-port)

Conclusion

In summary, the question of whether a port is metal or plastic doesn't have a single answer; the device's reservoir can be either, or a blend of both. The choice of material is a deliberate one, guided by the patient's specific medical needs. While plastic ports offer advantages in imaging compatibility and weight, metal ports provide superior long-term durability. Hybrid ports strike a balance between these characteristics. Ultimately, regardless of the material, an implanted port serves as an invaluable medical tool, significantly improving the quality of life for patients requiring consistent intravenous access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but it depends on the port type. Traditional titanium ports can cause imaging artifacts, but many modern models, including power-injectable ports, are MRI-conditional or compatible. Always inform your healthcare provider that you have a port before any imaging procedure.

A port can remain in place for weeks, months, or even years, as long as it is functioning correctly and is properly maintained. The exact duration depends on the patient's treatment needs.

While the needle insertion can cause brief discomfort, many people find it less painful than repeated needle sticks in peripheral veins. A numbing cream can also be applied to the skin over the port to minimize any sensation.

Yes, you will typically be able to feel a small bump under your skin where the port is located. The size and shape can vary by brand, but it is usually described as a quarter-sized disc.

A single-lumen port has one access point for infusions or blood draws, while a double-lumen port has two. A double-lumen port is useful for administering two different types of infusions simultaneously.

No, not all ports are power-injectable. Only specific ports, known as power ports, can withstand the high-pressure injections needed for certain imaging scans like CTs with contrast dye.

When not in use, the port site requires minimal care beyond routine hygiene. When it is accessed, the site will be covered with a special dressing by a healthcare professional. You must watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pain.