Long Term Drainage Catheter Placement

How is the catheter placed?

The Pleurx Catheter is typically placed via a minimally invasive outpatient procedure in a hospital or clinic setting. Patients need a driver. Patients need to return in 4-5 days to have sutures removed.

The drainage procedure can be repeated whenever necessary depending on the severity of the symptoms, usually every 2-3 days. The catheter can remain in the body for many months. The drainage procedure is quick and pain-free as no further injections are required.

What do I do to prepare?

You need to designate a primary care giver who can come with you on the day of your appointment to receive the teaching of how to drain the fluid and perform wound care. We will review how to drain the fluid and how much to drain.  Please record how much you drain when you go home so you can inform your physician.  Your primary physician may consider arranging for the Home Health Services to come in to help out as well. We need to assure once we place the tube that there is someone in the home that can drain the fluid if you are unable to yourself. 

What happens during the procedure?

Conscious sedation is provided just prior to the start of the procedure. You will be connected to several types of monitoring equipment. You will lie on an X-ray table. The technologist will prepare the skin over the affected area, cleaning it with an antiseptic solution and place sterile drapes and towels over you to create a sterile work space.  The Interventional Radiologist will use Ultrasound guidance to insert the catheter. Then, he will X-ray it to make sure it is in the optimum position for fluid drainage. You will have a small incision close to where the tube comes out with a couple of sutures that will need to be removed in 4-6days. 

What happens after the procedure?

Since conscious sedation medicine is administered you will be required to stay to recover for 2 hours.  You and your family will go to the recovery area.  You will be able to eat and drink if you wish.  Prior to you going home we will give your designated care giver the opportunity to drain the fluid off.

We have made some adaptations to the collection system we will give you the option to you the system we have been using for 5 years or you can choose to use the collection products from Denver Biomedics.

Web Site for more information regarding Pleurx catheter:  www.Denverbiomedical.com

Going home with a Pleurx cath:

The doctor has placed the Pleurx catheter to allow you to drain fluid from your chest/abdomen while you are home.  Part of the catheter is inside your abdomen/chest and has several holes that allow fluid to enter the catheter.  There is a valve at the outer end of your catheter that prevents air from entering and fluid from leaking out when you are not draining.

How to care for your tube at home:

Supplies needed:

·         Alcohol swab

·         Drain Line Extension Tubing (should be changed every 2 weeks)

·         Drainage Bag (should be changed once a month)

You should drain fluid every day for the first 5-7 days then can go to every 1-3 days. If this drain is in your CHEST, DO NOT DRAIN MORE THAN 1000CC AT ANY ONE TIME.  If you try to drain fluid 3 times in a row, and each time is less than 50 cc drains, OR DOES NOT DRAIN AT ALL, you should call our Department to find out if the catheter can be removed or if it needs to be replaced.

CALL THE INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY OFFICE IF:

·         The tube gets pulled on, the cuff is showing, the tube gets cut or pulled out.

·         You have a sustained fever. (100.4F or 38C)

·         There is a leakage around the tube at the skin site.

·         If the tube becomes dislodged do not try to push it back in.

You should plan to come back and have your tube checked 5 days after it was placed and to have your sutures removed.

If you have any questions or need to reschedule an appointment please feel free to contact the Interventional Radiology Office at 802- 847-8359. Our business hours are Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Someone is available to take your call after hours for emergencies.

• Pleural Effusion Drainage
• Long Term Drainage Catheter Placement