Application of Central Venous Catheter in the Closed Drainage of Pleural Effusion

Objective To explore the value of central venous catheter in closed drainage of pleural effusion.Methods After percutaneous pleural puncture,central venous catheter was implanted by the guidance of guide wire and fixed in 26 patients who had large and moderate volume of pleural effusion.The catheter was connected to a sterile drainage bag.Results All patients were given intermittent or continuous drainage each day with drainage volume of 800 to 1 000 ml.After drainage,difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath were significantly improved in all patients,and hyoxemia was also improved.The retention time of central venous catheter was five to ten days,and no pneumothorax,hemothorax,infection and pulmonary edema occurred.Five cases had catheter blocked and two cases had transient bloody pleural effusion.Conclusion Closed drainage of pleural effusion by central venous catheter is painless and convenient with simple operation and small wound.It can achieve satisfactory effect,especially for those frail elderly and severe ICU patients.