Subcutaneous access ports with fenestrated catheters for improved management of recurrent pleural effusions

Repeated percutaneous thoracentesis can involve serious complications, such as pneumothorax or infection. Alternatives such as placement of chest tubes or pleurodesis have their own potential complications. Creative options such as pleuroperitoneal shunting and video thoracoscopy have previously been used to avoid the disadvantages of repeated percutaneous thoracentesis. This paper describes an easy and effective method for managing these patients without repeated percutaneous thoracentesis. A port is inserted that can be accessed percutaneously and immediately for needed aspirations. We have successfully performed this procedure on 6 patients. Our hope is that the easy access using a short needle into the port aperture will allow the thoracentesis to be performed by appropriately instructed and supervised paramedical personnel. Also, with fewer postprocedure chest radiographs or hemothoraceses, future benefits from this procedure could include cost effectiveness.