PleurX Catheter Placement
The PleurX system includes a drainage catheter and drainage bottles that collect fluid. The catheter is inserted in the chest for draining pleural effusions or in the abdomen for malignant ascites. This catheter is placed by an Interventional Radiologist. The catheter will be tunnelled under the skin to reduce the risk of infection. The PleurX catheter allows for drainage of fluid at your home, without having to come to the hospital for repeat paracentesis/ thoracentesis.
Abdominal (Peritoneal) Port Placement
A peritoneal port is a small reservoir that is surgically implanted under the skin by an Interventional Radiologist to allow excess fluid to be withdrawn from or medication delivered into the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity. These ports spare patients the pain of repeated needle sticks and have a much lower rate of infection compared to other access devices. Your doctor may use a peritoneal port to help treat ovarian cancer or intractable ascites, a condition in which excess fluid builds up in the abdominal cavity.