How often should a PleurX be drained?

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. Chest: If you keep your chest fairly free of fluid, you will be less likely to feel short of breath.

Can a PleurX drain be flushed?

The PleurX catheter access kit is designed to aspirate a sterile fluid sample directly through the catheter. The catheter access kit is also designed to allow catheter flushing, perform routine maintenance and administer a sclerosing agent for pleurodesis.

How is a PleurX catheter removed?

Firm traction is applied on the catheter and the cuff is freed by blunt dissection using the kilner needle holder (Instrapac Standard Suture Pack) inserted into the tunnel via the catheter entry site. The catheter is then with withdrawn with gentle traction and the wound is closed with a single suture.

Is a PleurX catheter a chest tube?

The tube may be attached to a suction device to remove excess fluid or air. Or, it may be used in a procedure called pleurodesis in which medication is delivered into the space to decrease the likelihood that fluid will accumulate. A PleurX is like a chest tube except it is smaller and designed for use at home.

How do you place a PleurX catheter?

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

When can PleurX catheter be removed?

If you drain 200 mL or less for 3 days in a row, call your doctor’s office to tell them. They may tell you to start draining your catheter less often. If you find that you’re draining less and less fluid over time, your doctor may recommend that your PleurX catheter be removed.

Is a PleurX catheter painful?

Will I have pain when I drain the catheter? 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.

When should a PleurX catheter be removed?

How does the vacuum work on a PleurX catheter?

Insert the access tip from the drainage line into the catheter valve. Activate the vacuum in the bottle by pushing the plunger to break the seal. Release the roller clamp on the drainage line to control the drainage flow rate. When the drain has slowed, or the bottle is full, close the line again with the clamp.

Where do you place a PleurX drainage catheter?

A PleurX drainage catheter (flexible tube) can be placed in your chest to drain the fluid from your pleural space. This can make it easier for you to breathe. About Your PleurX Drainage Catheter Your PleurX drainage catheter may be placed by an interventional radiologist or an interventional pulmonologist.

How do you clean a PleurX catheter bottle?

Tighten the roller clamp so that the bottle’s drainage line is completely closed. Remove the cap and clean around your catheter’s valve using an alcohol wipe. Insert the access tip from the drainage line into the catheter valve. Activate the vacuum in the bottle by pushing the plunger to break the seal.

How to use a PleurX catheter at Memorial Sloan Kettering?

1 Foam catheter pad, from your drainage kit 2 Self-adhesive bandage, from your drainage kit 3 4”x4” gauze pads, from your drainage kit 4 Soap and small bowl with water 5 Extra gauze or clean washcloth 6 Waste basket