FAQ
- Changes of the effusion fluid, e.g. colour
- Redness of the catheter exit site
- Fluid leaking from the wrong site, e.g. through hole in the catheter
- Decrease or increase of the drained amount of fluid volume
- Sudden stop of the drainage
- Accidental extraction of the catheter
If the drained fluid volume is less than 50ml on three consecutive drainages, your Doctor can decide to remove the drainage catheter.
Yes. The self-adhesive dressing in the drainage kit is waterproof and breathable. Your Doctor will tell you when exactly you can start having a shower after the implantation. Please make sure that the dressing completely covers the gauze compresses.
Your Doctor will inform you how often you should drain. After medical consultation patients often can decide on their own, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Address your questions regarding drainage and/or handling to your Doctor or District Nurse. If you have any questions about the ASEPT® products you may contact us directly.
No. The ASEPT® system is made only for single use. Also, they should not be used when unsterile. Resterilisation is not possible.
Yes. The maximum drainage volume for pleural effusions is 1000ml. For ascites, there is a maximum of 2000ml. If these quantities are exceeded, there is a risk of increased reproduction of the effusion. Please inform your doctor if you still suffer from pain after draining at these maximum volumes.
It is normal that you may feel a slight discomfort or need to cough when draining the fluid. If this is the case, please close the pinch clamp on the drainage line to interrupt the flow for a few minutes. If you do not feel better stop the drainage and contact your Doctor or District Nurse.
No. The valve and the catheter are simply bandaged up with compresses and plasters. Separate caps are not necessary due to the luer-lock valve connection. A proper disinfection of the valve before and after drainage with the enclosed alcohol swabs is crucial.
If the catheter has been pierced or cut, please act as follows:
- Compress the catheter firmly with your fingers.
- Pull the blue emergency slide clamp – which comes with the bottle – over the catheter between the patient's body and the exit site to close the catheter.
- Immediately inform your Doctor or District Nurse.
Recommendation: Put a blue clamp ready to hand aside. It does not have to be sterile.
Your Doctor determines when the threads can be drawn. Usually it takes 7 – 10 days until the threads can be removed - the holding thread needs 30 days until removal.
