Development of a disposable spray canister for talc pleurodesis. A preliminary report

Talc pleurodesis has been used for more than 50 years in both the United States and in Europe, and it has proven to be safe and effective in patients with malignant pleural effusions as well as recurrent pneumothorax. In this preliminary report, we describe a disposable, single-use spray canister that allows intrapleural administration of sterile, asbestos-free Luzenac talc, thus facilitating thoracoscopic talc insufflation for pleurodesis, particularly in patients with recurrent malignant effusions. The talc is delivered ready to use, administered via a hollow plastic delivery catheter that can be inserted through the pleural trocars used during thoracoscopy. Use of this spray canister allows practitioners to avoid complex handling and sterilization procedures required for bulk talc powder.