When the patient needs to drain fluid, a 1 litre vacuum bottle can be attached to the catheter.  Because the bottle contains a vacuum, fluid can be removed in a relatively short space of time (typically 9-11 minutes*).  The drainage procedure can be performed at home by the patient, carer or visiting health professional. 

The Pleurx drainage kit contains a vacuum bottle and all the relevant items needed to drain safely at home, using a clean technique.  The Pleurx drainage kit can be sent directly to the patients’ home in quantities of 10 units per box.

The Pleurx catheter is designed to remain in place permanently or can be removed at hospital, by a Doctor, if fluid is no longer re-accumulating.

Possible advantages of using Pleurx to manage recurrent malignant ascites:

• Avoids the need for repeat needle drainage procedures (paracentesis).
• Less visits to hospital and reduced hospital length of stay.
• Home management of your condition.
• Prevents large build-up of fluid as you can drain smaller quantities, more often.  This may give you better symptom control and make you feel more comfortable.
• You have greater control of your symptoms as you can drain as and when you need to, rather than waiting to go back to hospital for larger volumes to be drained.  Remember, you should never drain more than 2 litres of fluid from your peritoneal cavity in one sitting.
• Pleurx is usually well tolerated and has few complications.

Draining fluid from the Pleurx catheter

Please refer to the Pleurx Drainage Kit instructions for use on how to drain fluid safely at home. 

How to deal with the most likely complications

Pleurx is usually very well tolerated with a low complication rate.  The two most common complications include infection and being unable to drain fluid from the catheter into the drainage bottle.  Although this is unlikely it is important you know what to look out for and what to do should these complications arise.   Please refer to the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ for advice.  If in any doubt, always contact your Doctor.

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