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PleurX™ Pleural Catheter System

A breath of possibilities

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Overview

 

The BD PleurX™ Catheter System is a proven solution for pleural drainage and has helped hundreds of thousands of patients go home with peace of mind.

  • 50+ Peer-reviewed Article References

    The PleurX™ Pleural Catheter System has been referenced in more than 50 peer-reviewed articles.

  • 47% Daily-drainage Patients Pleurodese

    In a randomized, single blinded, multi-center clinical trial, among patients with recurrent pleural effusion, daily drainage resulted in approximately half (47%, n = 73) of the patients achieving spontaneous pleurodesis with a mean time to catheter removal of 54 days1

  • <1% Infection & Occlusion Rate

    A retrospective study of 503 patients with a shortened PleurX™ Catheter used for drainage of MPE showed infection and occlusion rates <1%2

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Vacuum bottle

Active vacuum technology drains quickly and comfortably without the need for gravity. Bottles are available in 500 mL and 1,000 mL sizes

Roller clamp

The roller clamp provides easy control of drainage flow for optimal comfort.

Proprietary safety valve

The valve helps prevent inadvertent passage of air or fluid through the catheter. It also helps to reduce the risk of misconnection that may occur with a standard luer connection.

Polyester cuff

This promotes tissue ingrowth to help reduce infection risk and to hold the catheter securely in place.

Fenestrations

Large, smooth fenestrations promote drainage and help reduce the risk of occlusions.

15.5 Fr silicone catheter

Soft and flexible catheter conforms to the pleural space and helps minimize insertion-site discomfort.

Barium stripe

Dark barium stripe provides enhanced visibility under radiography.

 

Proven Product Performance

 
  • Designed with active vacuum technology to help facilitate the drainage of pleural fluid, the PleurX™ Pleural Catheter System allows your patients to manage fluid from a pleural effusion at home.

 

  • The PleurX™ Pleural Catheter System is indicated for the palliation of dyspnea due to pleural effusion and providing pleurodesis (resolution of the pleural effusion). *

 

 

Flexible
Treatment Options

Catheter placement is generally an oupatient procedure with no overnight stay and associated costs, aimed at achieving symptom relief.

In a clinical trial of patients with recurrent pleural effusions, 47% of patients achieved spontaneous pleurodesis with daily drainage.3

In a trial of patients with malignant pleural effusions who drained at least twice a week and received talc slurry via the PleurX™ Drainage Catheter, 51% achieved pleurodesis.4

The PleurX™ Pleural Catheter System can be used instead of a chest tube, for post-surgical drainage, when performing talc poudrage pleurodesis procedures.6 If the patient does not pleurodese, the catheter can remain in the patient to drain, potentially avoiding further intervention.

The PleurX™ Pleural Catheter System is compatible with delivery of talc slurry or bleomycin in an outpatient pleurodesis procedure by using the catheter access kit.

Catheter Access Kit

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Reference

* The PleurX™ Pleural Catheter System is indicated for intermittent, long term drainage of symptomatic, recurrent, pleural effusion, including malignant pleural effusion and other recurrent effusions that do not respond to medical management of the underlying disease. The devices are indicated for the palliation of dyspnea due to pleural effusion and providing pleurodesis (resolution of the pleural effusion). 

Wahidi MM, Reddy C, Yarmus L, et al. Randomized Trial of Pleural Fluid Drainage Frequency in Patients with Malignant Pleural Effusions: The ASAP Trial. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2017; 195(8):1050-1057.

 2 Rajchgot J, Amjadi K. Use of a Novel, Shortened, Indwelling Pleural Catheter (PleurX) for the Ambulatory Management of Malignant Pleural Effusion: A Single Center Experience. J Bronchology Interv Pulmonol. 2022;29(4):244-247. doi:10.1097/LBR.0000000000000821 

In a randomized, single blinded, multi-center clinical trial, among patients with recurrent pleural effusion, daily drainage resulted in approximately half (47%, n=73) of the patients achieving spontaneous pleurodesis with a mean time to catheter removal of 54 days.2

In a randomized, single blinded, multi-center trial, among patients with malignant pleural effusion with no substantial lung entrapment, 51% (n=69) of patients who received talc slurry had successful pleurodesis at day 70. Drainage was performed at least twice a week.5

Bhatnagar R, Keenan EK, Morley AJ, et al. Outpatient Talc Administration by Indwelling Pleural Catheter for Malignant Effusion. N Engl J Med. 2018;378:1313-1322. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1716883.

The poudrage should not be sprayed through the PleurX™ Catheter. Perform the procedure per the Talc instructions for use and your institutional protocol.

BD-149533

Clinicians

The PleurX™ Catheter System offers flexible treatment options through adaptable drainage protocols and combination therapies.

 

Catheter placement is generally an oupatient procedure with no overnight stay and associated costs, aimed at achieving symptom relief.

In a clinical trial of patients with recurrent pleural effusions, 47% of patients achieved spontaneous pleurodesis with daily drainage.1,2

In a trial of patients with malignant pleural effusions who drained at least twice a week and received talc slurry via the PleurX™ Drainage Catheter, 51% achieved pleurodesis.3,4

The PleurX™ Pleural Catheter System can be used instead of a chest tube, for post-surgical drainage, when performing talc poudrage pleurodesis procedures.5 If the patient does not pleurodese, the catheter can remain in the patient to drain, potentially avoiding further intervention.

The PleurX™ Pleural Catheter System is compatible with delivery of talc slurry or bleomycin in an outpatient pleurodesis procedure by using the catheter access kit.

Catheter Access Kit

Procedure Videos

Placement Video

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        Drainage Video

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              Resources and Support

              Implementation Tips

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              PleurX™ Catheter Tray Components

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              Physician Written Order Form

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              PleurX™ Physician Order Form Instruction

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              Our Clinical Specialists and Patient Navigators are here to help you!

              Our team of Clinical Specialists can provide product training and support for clinicians and work with Health Care Providers and clinical staff to streamline PleurX™ Pleural Catheter System paperwork and process flow to ensure eligible patients get the products they need.

              Our Patient Navigators can work directly with patients to help identify a DME provider for the PleurX™ Pleural Catheter System drainage kits and direct your patient and their family to appropriate channels to answer product questions.  

              Patient Navigator
              Call: 833.549.7677
              Email: GMB-PLEURXPTNAV-US@bd.com

              Sales Representative
              Call: 844.823.5433

              The Patient Navigators offer compassionate guidance and assistance with obtaining drainage kits. 

              • Advocate for the patient

              • Help locate a supplier that accepts the patient’s insurance and provide the information to the patient

              • Work with the Home Health Agency to identify resources for Drainage Kits 

              • Direct patient and family to appropriate channels to answer product questions

              • Invite eligible patients who are in financial need and lack insurance coverage for components of the system to participate in the BD-sponsored Patient Assistance Program

               

              Call us today at 833.549.7677

              BD Advance, a clinical training and education program, is committed to providing quality education to sustain the lifelong educational needs of healthcare professionals. 

               

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              Reference

              1 In a randomized, single blinded, multi-center clinical trial, among patients with recurrent pleural effusion, daily drainage resulted in approximately half (47%, n=73) of the patients achieving spontaneous pleurodesis with a mean time to catheter removal of 54 days.2

              2 Wahidi MM, Reddy C, Yarmus L, et al. Randomized Trial of Pleural Fluid Drainage Frequency in Patients with Malignant Pleural Effusions: The ASAP Trial. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2017; 195(8):1050-1057.

              3 In a randomized, single blinded, multi-center trial, among patients with malignant pleural effusion with no substantial lung entrapment, 51% (n=69) of patients who received talc slurry had successful pleurodesis at day 70. Drainage was performed at least twice a week.

              4 Bhatnagar R, Keenan EK, Morley AJ, et al. Outpatient Talc Administration by Indwelling Pleural Catheter for Malignant Effusion. N Engl J Med. 2018;378:1313-1322. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1716883.

              5 The poudrage should not be sprayed through the PleurX™ Catheter. Perform the procedure per the Talc instructions for use and your institution protocol.

              Please consult product labels and instructions for use for indications, contraindications, hazards, warnings, and precautions.

              BD-149533

              Patients

              The PleurX™ Pleural Catheter System is designed to allow you to manage fluid that has accumulated in your chest in the comfort of your home.

              Testimonials
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                    Procedure Videos

                    Drainage Video

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                          FAQ

                          While you have been trained by your doctor or nurse in the correct way to use the items in the drainage kit, we realize you may still have some questions.

                           

                          The information below should provide answers to the most common questions about using the drainage kit. These questions and answers are also available in the Instructions for Use included with the drainage kit.

                          If you have any problems or additional questions about draining fluid, please refer to the Instructions for Use or contact your doctor or nurse. 

                           

                           

                          A: You should drain fluid as directed by your doctor, usually every 1–2 days. Consult your doctor before changing the frequency of your drainage.

                           

                          A: Notify your doctor if you continue to feel short of breath or experience discomfort. Do not drain more than 1,000 mL of fluid from your chest or 2,000 mL of fluid from your abdomen at any one time.

                          A: When you try to drain fluid three times in a row and each time less than 50 mL drains into the bottle, you should contact your doctor to find out if the catheter can be removed or if it needs to be replaced. (See next question.)

                          A: If the fluid goes away suddenly or if the amount of drainage gradually declines, it is possible that the catheter may be clogged. Squeeze the catheter and the drainage line gently. If the drainage does not begin, follow the instructions for changing to another bottle. If the drainage does not start when you use a second bottle, call your doctor.


                          If the amount of fluid gradually declines, the fluid may be drying up and it may be time for the catheter to be removed. Refer to the previous question, “When will I know if the catheter can be removed?”

                          A: The catheter will remain in your chest or abdomen until fluid stops draining. The amount of time will vary from patient to patient. Fluid buildup is not likely to stop in the abdomen, but may stop in the chest. The catheter may remain in place as long as you need it, and it continues to work properly.

                          A: Any change in the appearance of the fluid should be reported to your doctor.

                          A: Shower: You can take a shower or sponge bath if a self-adhesive dressing like the one in the Procedure Pack is securely attached to your skin and working properly. The self-adhesive dressing is designed to keep fluid out. Be sure the dressing is completely and securely attached and the catheter and gauze pads are all contained underneath it. If the gauze becomes wet when showering, remove the dressing immediately, clean and dry the area and apply a new dressing as instructed in the Instructions for Use that came with the drainage kit.

                          Bath: Do not allow the catheter to soak underwater in a tub, bath or pool.

                          A: In the unlikely event the catheter is pulled out or the cuff becomes exposed, cover the exit site with a sterile dressing and seek immediate medical attention. The catheter has a polyester cuff that is normally under the skin where the catheter is inserted. This cuff and the sutures—located where the catheter exits your body—help keep the catheter in place.

                          A: You should contact your doctor immediately if you believe your catheter is infected. Pain, redness (erythema), warmth to touch, swelling (edema), fever or fluid from around the catheter site may be a sign that your catheter is infected. Some discomfort and redness after insertion is expected but should not continue or worsen.

                          The PleurX™ app and our Patient Navigators
                          are great ways to support patients in their fluid management.

                          We're here to help!

                          Resources and Support

                          Wall Chart

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                          FAQ

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                          Patient Navigators

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                          Drainage Log

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                          PleurX™ Order Card

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                          PleurX™ App Quick Start Guide

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                          Reference

                          Please consult product labels and instructions for use for indications, contraindications, hazards, warnings, and precautions.

                          BD-149533

                          Support

                          The PleurX™ Pleural Catheter System offers a variety of homecare kits, at-home educational resources, an app for tracking care, and a team of Patient Navigators.

                           

                          Our Clinical Specialists and Patient Navigators are here to help you!

                          Our team of Clinical Specialists can provide product training and support for clinicians and work with Health Care Providers and clinical staff to streamline PleurX™ Pleural Catheter System paperwork and process flow to ensure eligible patients get the products they need.

                          Our Patient Navigators can work directly with patients to help identify a DME provider for the PleurX™ Pleural Catheter System drainage kits and direct your patient and their family to appropriate channels to answer product questions.  

                          Patient Navigator
                          Call: 833.549.7677
                          Email: GMB-PLEURXPTNAV-US@bd.com

                          Sales Representative
                          Call: 844.823.5433

                          The Patient Navigators offer compassionate guidance and assistance with obtaining drainage kits. 

                          • Advocate for the patient

                          • Help locate a supplier that accepts the patient’s insurance and provide the information to the patient

                          • Work with the Home Health Agency to identify resources for Drainage Kits 

                          • Direct patient and family to appropriate channels to answer product questions

                          • Invite eligible patients who are in financial need and lack insurance coverage for components of the system to participate in the BD-sponsored Patient Assistance Program

                           

                          Call us today!

                          833.549.7677

                          BD is committed to helping patients with recurrent pleural effusions, malignant ascites or non-malignant ascites who are prescribed a PleurX™ Pleural Catheter System have access to drainage kits.

                          Our Patient Navigator team will help patients find DME suppliers or invite those who might qualify to apply for our BD-sponsored PleurX™ Pleural Catheter System Patient Assistance Program. BD wants to help ensure more patients have access to drainage kits who might not otherwise be able to obtain them.

                          Call us today at 833.549.7677

                           

                          BD is the only provider to partner with Edgepark® who services 1,400 health plans so that clinical supplies can be delivered directly to patients' homes.*

                           

                          *As of May 2025

                           

                          Patient Assistance Program enrollment form

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                          BD Advance, a clinical training and education program, is committed to providing quality education to sustain the lifelong educational needs of healthcare professionals. 

                           

                          Advance-logo-image.png

                          The PleurX™ App is free and designed for use with the PleurX™ Pleural Catheter System and PeritX™ Peritoneal Catheter System to help patients record and track drainage.

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                          Scan the QR code or
                          Download the PleurX™ App
                          from your Apple or Google Play Store

                          PleurX™ App quick start guide

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                          Physician Written Order Form

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                          English
                          Reference

                          Please consult product labels and instructions for use for indications, contraindications, hazards, warnings, and precautions.

                          BD-149533

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                          A breath of possibilities

                          pleural effusion, malignant pleural effusion, drainage, peritoneal drainage, pleural drainage