To TPC or Not to TPC? Tunneled Pleural Catheters in Nonmalignant Pleural Effusions (Sep. 2012)
ABSTRCT:
Tunneled pleural catheters (TPC), such as the PleurX catheter system, have been shown to be effective in the management of recurrent malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) for symptomatic relief. Insertion of a TPC allows patient independence, avoidance of prolonged hospitalizations for classic thoracostomy tube drainage or talc poudrage, and the potential for spontaneous pleurodesis with resolution of the effusion. Currently, guidelines recommend against TPC use in recurrent nonmalignant effusions given that life expectancy is generally longer in patients with benign effusions and the risk of infection increases with time. Several case reports and series have documented the safe and efficacious use of these catheters in non-MPEs. We explore the myth that TPCs should not be used in the management of non-MPEs.
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