Page 323 - CHHA Binder 2.3.20

4/11/2019

Key Points

 Advanced planning is required for approval of admission of a patient with a
pleural/peritoneal catheter to VNSNY. Refer to VNSNY Admission Policy to determine
whether criteria for admission and planning needs are met.
 HCCs will assess patient appropriateness for home care, and obtain the following
information:
• Name of the Catheter
• Placement and function of catheter in the pleura/peritoneal cavity for drainage
• List of equipment that patient is supposed to have at home, such as drainage
kits, emergency slide clamps, gloves etc…
• Contact information for person who is taking primary responsibility of the patient
at home
• Confirm that patient/caregiver (or two caregivers if recipient is a child or has
learning disabilities and is unable to learn) has received instruction on procedure
prior to home care admission.
• Indicate independence, availability and willingness of patient/caregiver in
performing drainage/dressing procedure

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Background

 A pleural catheter is a version of a chest tube that is surgically implanted in the pleural
space, and then tunneled to an exit site usually in the upper abdomen:
• Pleural catheters are primarily seen in home care patients with persistent or
malignant pleural effusion to prevent dyspnea.
• The catheter can be plugged and opened to drain excessive pleural fluid, as per
primary care provider orders.
• Sometimes these catheters are placed in other body spaces that require similar
drainage. When placed in other areas, the procedure for performing drainage
follows the same procedure as below, unless otherwise ordered.
 The peritoneal catheter is placed by a physician. It is an indwelling abdominal catheter
with a one - way valve and used to drain a malignant or non- malignant fluid build up
from the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity when a patient is symptomatic, i.e., short of
breath, painful abdominal fullness.
 Home care for recurrent, symptomatic fluid build up with the a peritoneal catheter and
drainage kit can improve quality of life by relieving symptoms immediately, and
minimizing need for repeated hospitalizations.

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