Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 1, 2026

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Tunneled Pleural Catheter: Treatment for Recurrent Pleural Effusion
Chelsea Miller1, Elizabeth Bridges1, Balaji Laxmanan1
1Chelsea Miller is Advanced Practice Provider Clinical Resident, Emory Healthcare, 1364 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322 (chelsea.b.miller@emoryhealthcare.org). Elizabeth Bridges is Professor, University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, Washington. Balaji Laxmanan is Director, Interventional Pulmonology, Confluence Health, Wenatchee, Washington. Paula Cox-North is Lecturer, University of Washington School of Nursing, Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Informatics, Seattle, Washington. Hilaire Thompson is Joanne Montgomery Endowed Professor and Lead, Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program, University of Washington School of Nursing, Seattle, Washington.
Abstract:
Recurrent pleural effusion is a symptom of several end-stage diseases and is associated with limited life expectancy. Patients with this condition have disabling symptoms resulting in reduced quality of life and often receive inconsistent treatment due to delayed recognition of pleural effusion, repeat procedures, and lengthy hospitalizations. Placement of a tunneled pleural catheter allows the patient to manage his or her symptoms at home, yet this treatment remains underused because of provider misconceptions and unfamiliarity with the intervention. This article provides an overview of the indications for placement of a tunneled pleural catheter, possible complications, and management strategies, and introduces evidence-based clinical decision support tools to enhance provider knowledge. In addition, the article describes the implementation and evaluation of a performance improvement initiative on the use of tunneled pleural catheters in a multifaceted health care system.
Related Concept Videos
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description
Behavior of Gas Molecules: Molecular Diffusion, Mean Free Path, and Effusion
Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Treatment Resistant Cancers

