A port-a-cath needle adapted for determining the position of the needle prior to dispensing medical treatments is disclosed. Disclosed embodiments of the port-a-cath needle comprises a cannula, a hollow needle, and an inflatable balloon. The balloon is disposed at the distal end of the port-a-cath needle such that when the needle is inserted into a patient, the balloon may be inflated and the resistance pressure used to determine if the needle is inserted into the port chamber or a port-a-cath device or is surrounded by soft tissue. In certain embodiments, the balloon may be maintained in the inflated configuration in order to help retain the port-a-cath needle within the port chamber while treatment is delivered to the patient.
