Use of Jugular catheters as pleural and pericardial drains

Seldinger catheter kits can be used very effectively for emergency thoracic and pericardial drainage procedures.  In general, a single lumen is better for most situations (maximum lumen diameter and easier aspiration).  Double lumen catheters can be useful for thoracic drainage, especially if lavage is required.  With our needle free valves, placement can be done as a totally closed procedure – click here for more details

• Suitable for Pneumothorax and transudates
• Placement should be done with needle free valves to ensure a partial Pneumothorax is not worsened
• Direct the Seldinger needle in the required direction
• The tissue dilator may be required to ease placement of catheter through the chest wall
• Advance catheter over guide wire to place in correct direction
• Use the suture hub to secure the catheter to the chest
• A finger trap suture can still be placed if required

• Suitable for general pericardial effusions
• Can be placed needle-free (closed), but not required
• As the catheter is softer than normal pericardial drains, the tissue dilator may be needed to pass the catheter through the pericardium - it is important that the dilator is angled as it is advanced through the pericardium to avoid damaging the myocardium.