PleurX indwelling pleural catheter for the treatment of recurrent pleural effusion in advanced ovarian cancer

One of the most distressing manifestations of advanced ovarian malignancy is the development of a symptomatic pleural effusion. Left untreated, malignant pleural effusions can cause significant morbidity, affecting prognosis and quality of life. Effective drainage of this fluid and prevention of its recurrence is crucial if we want to improve both the quality of life and the life expectancy of these patients.1

Several treatment options are available for a malignant pleural effusion, such as intermittent outpatient thoracentesis, pleuroperitoneal shunt, or a pleurodesis using a sclerosing agent.2

A PleurX catheter is a fenestrated 15.5 Fr elastomer catheter that was designed for the outpatient management of malignant pleural effusions. A polyester cuff at its end allows tissue ingrowth and protection from infection. Once the catheter is placed, the patient can easily drain pleural effusions at home as many times as needed.1

Patients who will benefit most from this technique are those with malignant pleural effusions requiring multiple pleural drainages, failed previous pleurodesis procedures, challenging lung anatomy that complicates a successful pleurodesis, and those with a shortened life expectancy.3

The main risk of this procedure is catheter infection, which can generate a subcutaneous abscess. Caution must be taken in order to guarantee a proper aseptic technique during all the procedure.

CITA DEL ARTÍCULO Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2020 Nov 4;ijgc-2020-002024.  doi: 10.1136/ijgc-2020-002024