Pleurx catheter placement

PREOP EVALUATION

• Labs:  PT/INR and CBC with platelets
• Prior CT or ultrasound of chest or abdomen
• If seen in Clinic, FAX order for patient’s supplies to catheter company (Carefusion or CR Bard).

TIMING / BED REST AFTER PROCEDURE

• 1 hour
• Patient needs instructions on using the catheter

ANTICOAGULATION/ANTIPLATELETS

• Aspirin or Plavix do not stop
• Lovenox, Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH), Arixtra – Stop 24h prior to procedure
• Pradaxa – stop 3 days prior to procedure if possible.  See “Warfarin” immediately below for “bridge” anticoagulation, if necessary (CONTACT IR physician if uncertain)
• Warfarin (Coumadin) – Depends upon procedure and indication, as well as the reason the patient is taking this medication (CONTACT IR physician or PA)

LOCATION OF THE PROCEDURE

• Could be cath lab, US or CT
• In general physician preference

PREOPERATIVE ORDERS

• IV with NS (Normal Saline) 75ml/hr

FOLLOW UP

• Call 1-2 days after procedure
• No long term follow up scheduled but need to be sure they have adequate support at home and know how to reach us if there is a problem or question regarding the catheter.