What is a small reservoir with a rubber plug attached to the catheter called?

A small reservoir with a rubber plug attached to a catheter is referred to as an implanted port. This device is typically used for patients who require long-term intravenous access for medications, chemotherapy, or other treatments. The port is surgically implanted beneath the skin, and it consists of a small chamber (the reservoir) that is connected to a catheter, which is inserted into a vein.

The key feature of the implanted port is that it is designed to be accessed with a special needle that penetrates the rubber plug, allowing healthcare providers to draw blood or deliver medications directly into the bloodstream without the need for repeated needle sticks into arm veins. This method enhances patient comfort and reduces the risk of vein deterioration from multiple punctures.

In contrast, other options refer to different types of devices or catheters used in medical practice, such as central venous access devices, which may include implanted ports but are broader in definition, or specific catheters that serve different clinical purposes.