PleurX Pleural Catheter Drainage System

Pleurx is indicated for the management of patients with recurrent malignant pleural effusions. Pleurx can achieve pleurodesis rates of up to 70% whilst providing ongoing active symptom control through smaller, more frequent vacuum drainages at home, with minimal physician intervention.

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

PleurX benefits

• Spontaneous pleurodesis in up to 70% of patients
• An effective alternative to tube thoracostomy & chemical pleurodesis1
• Effective palliation of symptoms
• Home management with reduced hospital visits ¹
• Few complications and no procedure related deaths ²
• Avoids the costs associated with talc pleurodesis ²

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 pleural 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 pleural fluid from the Pleurx catheter. Frequent drainage provides active symptom control and can also achieve pleurodesis in up to 70% of patients. 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

2. Putnam JB, Walsh GL, et al. Outpatient Management of Malignant Pleural Effusion by a Chronic Indwelling Pleural Catheter.  Annals of Thoracic Surgery 2000; 69:369-375