Wind the catheter into a small coil above the catheter pad and cover it with gauze pads. Replace the DressingĬlean around the catheter site with a new alcohol pad and place the foam catheter pad against the skin. The PleurX catheter drainage color should be between pink and red, but report any changes in color to your doctor’s office.Ī slight cough or chest discomfort is normal while the fluid is draining, but you should slow or stop the drain if the pain is severe or persists.Ĭonsult your doctor if you are unsure of any steps in the draining process or if you experience any issues such as an abnormal drainage color, bleeding or pain. Avoid touching either the exposed catheter valve or the access tip. It is essential that you keep your worksite as sterile as possible during the draining. When you have finished draining, pull the access tip out of the catheter valve, clean the catheter valve with a new alcohol pad and twist a new cap into place.When the drain has slowed, or the bottle is full, close the line again with the clamp.Release the roller clamp on the drainage line to control the drainage flow rate.Activate the vacuum in the bottle by pushing the plunger to break the seal.Insert the access tip from the drainage line into the catheter valve.Remove the cap and clean around your catheter’s valve using an alcohol wipe.Tighten the roller clamp so that the bottle’s drainage line is completely closed.Wash your hands with soap and water for 1 minute.Notify your doctor if you feel short of breath after draining.ĭraining your PleurX catheter takes about 5 to 15 minutes, and the steps are as follows: You should never remove more than 1,000mL in a single sitting. For most patients, this is typically every two to five days. You should drain the fluid whenever you are feeling short of breath. There also shouldn’t be any fluid leaking around the catheter site. Avoid using sharp objects around the PleurX catheter to prevent accidental damage to it. There should be no kinks or damage to the tubing. Your skin should be free of redness, bleeding, rash or discharge. Some patients may find that using a mirror is helpful to see the entire area. Inspect Your PleurX Catheterīefore each attempt to drain fluid, you should inspect the catheter and the surrounding skin. After a little practice, you will become familiar with the necessary steps of inspecting your catheter, draining the fluid and replacing the dressing when needed. Performing appropriate cleaning and care of your PleurX catheter will prevent complications and allow the drain to function as intended. Once fully awake in the recovery room, your nurse will provide home-care instructions.The medical team will clean the catheter site and dress your incisions with bandages.When the catheter is in place, your doctor will either cap it or collect initial drainage.The catheter drains the fluid through its multiple openings and has a valve to block air.Your doctor will make one small incision into the pleural space and a second incision nearby, passing the catheter between the openings through a tunnel under the skin.You will receive a local numbing anesthetic to prevent pain from the incisions.Your doctor determines placement of the PleurX catheter based on the affected lung.Once in the procedure room, you’ll receive medication to make you drowsy.A nurse will place an intravenous (IV) line in your hand or arm.You will have time to ask questions before you sign the consent form, and a nurse will provide instructions on home care before you leave. Your doctor will place your PleurX catheter during a procedure that takes about 45 to 90 minutes. What to Expect from a PleurX Catheter Placement The PleurX catheter drains fluid buildup and reduces uncomfortable or painful symptoms for patients with pleural effusions. The pleura are layers of tissue that surround your lungs and chest cavity, and a small amount of fluid between the tissue layers helps your lungs expand and contract.ĭoctors recommend a PleurX catheter for patients with certain thoracic diseases, such as lung cancer, which can cause excess fluid to accumulate in the pleural space and restrict lung movement. What Is a PleurX Catheter?Ī PleurX drainage catheter is a small, flexible tube that doctors place within the patient’s chest to drain fluid from the pleural space. Proper care for your catheter will maximize drainage and prevent complications such as infection. A PleurX catheter acts as a drain and makes it easier for you to breathe. Extra fluid that builds up around your lungs can prevent them from expanding and cause you to feel short of breath.
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