Final answer:
The port implantation site depends on the vein accessed and is most often located in the upper chest. If an antecubital vein is used, the port may be in the forearm. Ports are typically removed due to signs of infection or other complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The port implantation site for a central venous catheter can vary depending on the vein accessed. If the superficial vessel in the antecubital region, connecting the cephalic vein to the basilic vein, is used, the port may be located in the forearm near the elbow. However, for long-term chemotherapy treatments, as in the case described with Barbara who is experiencing complications, it's more common that the port is implanted in the upper chest and connected to one of the central veins, such as the subclavian vein or the jugular vein.
The physician likely chose to have the port and catheter removed due to the signs of localized infection as suggested by redness, warmth, and fever. Also, given Barbara's metastatic inflammatory breast cancer, the port serves as a direct conduit for delivering chemotherapy drugs into her bloodstream, bypassing the need for repeated needle sticks and preserving her peripheral veins.