Pleural and ascites drainage with the ASEPT® Drainage System
Repeated pleural effusions or ascites can be treated in an outpatient setting using the ASEPT® System. A tunnelled permanent drainage catheter is implanted in the pleural cavity (pleural effusion) or in the peritoneal cavity (ascites) by means of The Seldinger technique. After completion of this surgical procedure, the patient can return home with the ASEPT® catheter in situ.
The drainage is carried out every 1 – 2 days in accordance with instructions provided by the physician. Therefore, preventing further punctures into the pleural or peritoneal cavity as they are no longer necessary.
General Benefits for the Patient
Improved Quality of Life
The direct symptoms, e.g. dyspnoea, are improved with the drainage. Spontaneous pleurodesis occurs within one month in 59% of the cases. Drainage using the ASEPT® System is virtually painless, when compared with other forms of treatment, e.g. chemical pleurodesis.
Outpatient Drainage
Due to utilising the outpatient setting by connecting the ASEPT® drainage bottle onto the catheter at home, patients now no longer have time consuming and exhausting visits to the hospital. The drainage can now be carried out by either the patient themselves, a family member, or a district nurse.
Minimally Invasive
The catheter is inserted in the pleural or peritoneal cavity by means of the Seldinger technique – this minimises the risk of internal organs being injured. The procedure which is carried out under local anaesthetic can take place either as an inpatient or as an outpatient.
Prevention of Revolving Door Effects
Being constantly connected to a drainage bag may lead to a dislocation of the catheter inside the patient. If this occurs the result would be a new catheter system and an overnight inpatient stay at the hospital. Through a steady drainage by means of vacuum, the patient has the greatest possible mobility and therefore quality of life. It is recommended to regularly drain with suction to prevent possible (protein) accumulations within the catheter and valve.
Safe
The treatment has a low infection rate. Due to the tunnelled application of the catheter, it provides an effective barrier against infection. In addition, the drainage bottles are under negative pressure and prevents contaminated fluids from penetrating the effusion space.
Different Strengths of Suction
There are two alternative drainage bottle systems available depending on the symptoms as well as individual preferences. The therapy can be done either by means of high vacuum (ASEPT® Drainage Kit) or low vacuum and gravity drainage respectively (ASEPT® Drainage Kit L).
Minimised Dislocation Risk
A polyester cuff is positioned in the tunnel and situated under the skin. This cuff allows the patient’s tissue to grow, minimising the risk of dislocation or infection.
Safety Valve
The ASEPT® valve closes automatically, is easy to clean, and connects the catheter with the drainage bottle in an extremely hygienic way. No end caps or fixations are required. Even after numerous connections the valve remains in perfect working order.
The ASEPT® Drainage System in Detail
The ASEPT® drainage system consists of a permanent implanted drainage catheter with self-closing valve and vacuum indicator. These are connected via an easy-to-use rotating connection to the catheter.
There are two types of drainage bottles: The ASEPT® 600ml Drainage Kit and the ASEPT® 1000ml Drainage Kit. The physician will define the appropriate size for the patient and whether fluid should be drained using either high vacuum or low vacuum. Each drainage bottle is delivered as a set. It contains all sterile consumables necessary for hygienic drainage: gloves, disinfectant wipes, and dressing material.
The ASEPT® Drainage Kit
Safely Pre-Evacuated
The bottles have been pre-evacuated and are under negative pressure. The effusion fluid is simply suctioned by it being connected to the ASEPT® catheter. A vacuum indicator displays the functionality of the bottle. No additional devices are required for the drainage.
Complete
The ASEPT® Drainage Kits and ASEPT® Drainage Kits L include sterile consumables which can be used to sterilise the valve and cover the ASEPT® catheter.
