Features of Pleurx Drainage Kit

Clinically proven self-drainage solution
Provides rapid symptom relief
Low infection rates, less than 3%
Controls when and where to drain
Allows to take control over managing symptoms
Drainage is typically accomplished in 3 to 5 minutes
Protective dressing is virtually undetectable under clothing
Replacement valve cap protects the catheter from contamination and helps maintain a clean drainage pathway
Drainage line set promotes drainage and avoids plugging
Safe and effective to use

Pleurx Vacuum Bottle Parts Description

Vacuum bottle: Features active vacuum technology that allows for quick and comfortable drainage without any need for gravity.
Proprietary safety valve: Prevents accidental passage of fluid or air through the catheter. It also minimizes the risk of misconnection that might otherwise occur with a standard luer connection.
Polyester cuff: Securely holds the catheter in place and promotes tissue ingrowth to reduce the risk of infection.
15.5 Fr silicone catheter: Minimizes the insertion-site discomfort and conforms well to the pleural or peritoneal space.
Beveled fenestrations: Smooth and large fenestrations with beveled edges help in promoting drainage and preventing occlusions.

Allows for effective management of recurrent pleural effusions and malignant ascites
Designed with an active vacuum technology that drains quickly and comfortably without the need for gravity
Provides quick and effective drainage
Roller clamp provides easy control of drainage flow for optimal comfort
Drainage catheter is inserted in the abdomen for draining malignant ascites or in the chest for pleural effusions
Catheter end remains outside the body, hidden under a protective dressing when not in use
Easy-to-use

Getting started: Have all drainage supplies ready and then thoroughly wash your hands.

Open all packaging of drainage kit. Unfold blue wrapping. Place bottle near wrapping and lay access tip on blue wrapping.
Pick up each glove by the wrist cuff and put both of them on.
Tear open alcohol pads. Lay open alcohol pad pouches on blue wrapping a short distance from sterile items.

Connecting the drainage bottle: Be sure to keep the end of the catheter and access tip clean.

Close roller clamp completely by rolling the wheel on roller clamp towards the bottle. Remove access tip cover by twisting and pulling gently. Set access tip on blue wrapping.
Take valve cap off the Denver PleurX catheter.
Clean around valve opening with the first alcohol pad.
Insert access tip into catheter valve.

Draining fluid: Do not drain more than 1,000 mL from your chest or 2,000 mL from your abdomen at any one time.

Remove support clip from the top of drainage bottle and push down plunger.
To begin draining, roll the wheel on roller clamp away from vacuum bottle.
When finished draining, completely close roller clamp by rolling wheel on roller clamp towards the bottle.

Final steps and disposal: If you have any questions or concerns, contact your doctor or nurse.

Pull access tip out of valve; set drainage line down.
Clean around valve opening with the second alcohol pad.
Place a new cap on catheter valve and twist it until it snaps into its locked position.
Clean around catheter site with the third alcohol pad.
Place foam catheter pad around catheter and wind catheter on top of the pad. Cover catheter with gauze pads.
Apply self-adhesive dressing over gauze pads.
Push down plunger and move plunger in a circular motion to further puncture foil seal so fluid can be poured out.
Remove flexible cap and drainage line from the bottle.
Empty bottle into the toilet. Place bottle in a plastic bag, seal tightly and discard.

When there is a shift greater than 2 cm in the mediastinum towards the ipsilateral side of the effusion
When the pleural cavity is multi-loculated, and the drainage of a single loculation would not be expected to provide relief of dyspnea
When there is a coagulopathy
When the pleural cavity is infected
When the effusion is known to be chylous

Do not drain more than 1000 ml of fluid from your chest or 2000 ml of fluid from your abdomen at any one time
It is normal to feel some discomfort or pain when draining fluid
If discomfort or pain is experienced when draining, clamp the drainage line to slow or stop the flow of fluid for a few minutes
If you do not feel better after doing this or the pain is severe, contact your doctor or nurse
Pain may be an indication of infection
Keep the valve on the PleurX Catheter and the access tip on the drainage line clean
Keep them away from other objects to help avoid contamination
Do not use scissors or other sharp objects near the PleurX Catheter
Do not put anything except the access tip of the drainage line into the PleurX Catheter valve since this could damage the valve
A damaged valve may allow air into your body or let fluid leak out through the valve when you are not draining

Risks of the PleurX Drainage System:

Chest: Potential complications of draining the pleural space include, but may not be limited to, pneumothorax, re-expansion pulmonary edema, hypotension, circulatory collapse and infection
Abdomen: Potential complications of draining fluid from the abdomen include, but may not be limited to, hypotension, circulatory collapse, electrolyte imbalance, protein depletion, ascites leakage, peritonitis, wound infection and loculations of the peritoneal space.

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