Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I drain the fluid from my chest?
You should drain fluid every one to two days. If you keep your chest fairly free of fluid, you will be less likely to feel short of breath. You will also be more likely to permanently stop the fluid from building up, so that the catheter can be removed. Consurlt your doctor if you want to drain more or less frequently.

Will I ever need to use more than one bottle when I drain?
You will need to attach a second bottle if one of the following happens:

• If you still feel short of breath
• If there was more than 600 ml of fluid in your chest to begin with, you may still have more fluid in your chest after the first bottle fills completely
• If the bottle fills to 450 ml or more of fluid and stops, you may still have more fluid in your chest, because the bottle loses a small amount of vacuum over time, and, therefore, less fluid can be drained into it.

If you experience any of the above, follow the instructions on how to drain into a second bottle, then you can assume that one bottle for complete drainage is all you will need. However, be sure to see your doctor if you continue to feel short of breath. DO NOT DRAIN MORE THAN 1000 ML AT ANY ONE TIME! SEE YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU FEEL THE NEED TO DRAIN MORE.

How long will the catheter be in my chest?
The catheter will be in your chest until fluid quits draining from your chest. The amount of time will vary from patient to patient, ranging from a few weeks to several months.

When will I know that the catheter can be removed?
When you try to drain fluid from your chest 3 times in a row, and each time less than 25-50 ml drains into the bottle, you should see your doctor to find out if the catheter can be removed or if it needs to be replaced.

What should I do if the color of the fluid is a lot different when I drain one day?
Any significant change in the appearance of the fluid should be reported to your doctor.

Can I take a shower with the catheter inside my chest?
Yes, if a self-adhesive dressing, like the one in the Procedure Pack, is securely attached to your skin, you can get wet. The self-adhesive dressing is designed to keep fluid out. Be sure the dressing is completely and securely attached and that the catheter and gauze pads are all contained underneath it. If you think that fluid has gotten under the dressing, remove it immediately, clean and dry the area, and apply a new dressing.

How do I Order Drainage Kits?

Existing patients:

If you are an existing patient, please contact your Patient Care Representative at 800-321-0591 to order more drainage kits.

New patients:

If you are a new patient and have not received drainage supplies from us before, we will need the Prescription and Insurance Information Form on file. This should have been completed by your doctor. If this has not been done, please contact your doctor to have this sent to us. Contact your Patient Care Representative at 800-321-0591 for assistance and to order supplies.

Do you need assistance with the drainage procedure?
View drainage procedure video or view instructions for use.

Do you have questions about reimbursement for your drainage kits?
Talk with your Patient Care Representative.

Disclaimer
The materials contained within these website pages are presented by Denver Biomedical, Inc. purely for informational purposes only. In no way are any of the materials presented here meant to be a substitute for professional medical care or attention by a licensed physician, nor should they be inferred as such. Patients should check with their physician if they have any questions or concerns about their medical condition and treatment. The only way patients should use the information provided on these pages is to discuss it with the physician who is directing their care. Every patient and every medical condition is different because of the many factors involved. Only the personal physician can make the best recommendation about treatment.
Neither Denver Biomedical, Inc. nor any other party who has been involved in the preparation of this website is responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for ANY form of damages whatsoever resulting from the use or misuse of information contained in or implied by these materials.
Patient care videos are available to you through your physician's office. Have your physician contact Denver Biomedical, Inc. on your behalf.