PleurX Peritoneal Catheter Drainage System

Traditionally, physicians have relied on repeat Large Volume Paracentesis (LVP) for the management of recurrent malignant ascites. Unfortunately, while effective at relieving symptoms, LVP requires frequent hospital visits and can result in significant patient discomfort.

The Pleurx peritoneal catheter provides relief of symptoms without the pain, anxiety and inconvenience of LVP. It also avoids the likelihood of significant fluid build-up between drainage procedures as patients can drain fluid at home as and when symptoms present.

For full information on the Pleurx system please visit the Pleurx Resource Centre

PleurX benefits

• Effective palliation of symptoms
• A convenient alternative to repeat LVP
• Home management and reduced hospital visits
• Less than 3% infection rate*
• Few complications and no procedure related deaths
• Avoids the associated costs of large volume paracentesis

Implantation

The Pleurx catheter is tunnelled and can be implanted without the need for a general anaesthetic, typically in an outpatient setting. The soft 15.5 Fr silicone catheter minimises patient discomfort and conforms to the peritoneal cavity. The Pleurx catheter contains a unique safety valve to prevent inadvertent passage of air or fluid through the catheter. A polyester cuff promotes tissue growth around the catheter and reduces risk of infection.

Home Drainage

Once at home the patient or carer can use the vacuum bottles, which are provided in the Pleurx drainage kit, to drain ascitic fluid from the Pleurx catheter. Frequent drainage provides active symptom control and avoids the need for repeat hospital visits to perform paracentesis. The Pleurx drainage kit contains all items necessary to perform a clean and convenient drainage procedure in the home setting.

UK Medical Support

UK Medical offers a Pleurx Support Team dedicated to ensuring the best continued care for each patient. This includes:

• Advising at implant procedures
• Providing on-going product training to ward-staff
• Visiting community nurses to offer training, support and information
• Provision of home drainage instructional literature, DVD and FAQ.

Related Products

• Safe-T-Centesis Catheter Drainage System
• Neo-hydro Drainage Catheter