How do you place a PleurX?

How does the PleurX system work?

1. The PleurX catheter is inserted in the chest for draining pleural effusions.
2. The PleurX catheter is inserted in the abdomen for draining malignant ascites.
3. The end of the catheter stays on the outside of the body, covered by a thin protective dressing while not in use.

Where do PleurX drains go?

About Your PleurX Drainage Catheter A PleurX drainage catheter is a thin, flexible tube that’s placed in your chest to drain fluid from your pleural space. This can make it easier for you to breathe.

How often should a PleurX be drained?

How often should I drain the fluid from my chest or abdomen? You should drain fluid as directed by your doctor, usually every one to two days. Consult your doctor before changing the frequency of your drainage.

How long can you live with a PleurX catheter?

Mean survival was 3 months (range 5 days to 37+months) for all patients, with best median survivals of 5.5-6 months in breast and ovarian cancer.

What color should PleurX drainage be?

A thoracentesis is a procedure used to drain excess fluid from the space outside of the lungs but inside the chest cavity. Normally, this area contains about 20 milliliters of clear or yellow fluid. If there’s excess fluid in this area, it can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath and coughing.

Is a PleurX drain painful?

It is normal to have pain when you drain the catheter. At times, the pain may be severe. Stop the drainage right away if you have pain when you drain the catheter. Drain the fluid more slowly the next time you drain your catheter.

Can you shower with a PleurX?

Shower: You can take a shower or sponge bath if a self-adhesive dressing like the one in the Procedure Pack is securely attached to your skin. The self-adhesive dressing is designed to keep fluid out.

How do you know if a pleural effusion is malignant?

Malignancy is the most common cause of massive pleural effusion and, if this is the case, clinical signs may be obvious. Chest signs consistent with the pleural effusion include reduced expansion, dull percussion note, reduced breath sounds, and reduced vocal resonance.

Is Pleurx catheter permanent?

A pleurX catheter is a semi permanent plastic tube which is placed through the skin into the pleural space to facilitate repeated drainages of pleural fluid (pleural effusion).

How often to change Pleurx dressing?

Drain the fluid from your pleural space (chest) every day, or as directed by your doctor. Change your dressing once a week , or whenever it becomes loose, wet, or soiled. If a wet dressing is left against your skin, it may cause your skin to become irritated and sore.

What are the complications of Pleurx catheter?

Pleurx catheter Complications The pneumothorax may be a main complication associated with pleurx catheter. Re expansion pulmonary edema can hinder the process. Hypotension should be controlled first to perform the surgery and to remove the excess fluid. During drainage, circulatory collapse may occur.

What is a PleurX drain?

PleurX Drainage System. The PleurX® Drainage System is a device that lets you drain fluid from your abdomen or chest at home and on your own schedule — so you can manage fluid buildup from pleural effusions or malignant ascites before it becomes too uncomfortable.

What is Pleurx catheter?

PleurX Catheter. A PleurX Catheter (Peritoneal Catheter System) is a home management system that allows patients to drain fluid accumulation, from the chest (pleural fluid) or abdominal cavity (ascites).