Our drainage systems are designed for intermittent drainage of recurrent pleural effusion or ascites in hospital, in the clinic or at the patient’s home. A catheter is implanted subcutaneously in the patient in the hospital or clinic. With this catheter and the prescribed drainage sets, the patient can drain the effusion easily, safely and as required at home or in the nursing home with the support of relatives or nursing staff.

The drains lead to an improved quality of life and mobility through efficient symptom control.

We provide you with a number of documents to provide the patient with comprehensive information prior to implantation:

• Patient information brochure
• Information form regarding the risks of the procedure
• Medical prescription for the drainage sets and instruction by ewimed Switzerland AG at home.

Proposals for billing implantation with a short inpatient stay (DRG) or outpatient (Tarmed).

Depending on the medical indication, there are different drainage sets for connection to the catheter. You can get a quick overview of these and other accessories for use in hospitals and clinics here.

Implantation of the catheter is a minimally invasive procedure. The catheter can be implanted on an outpatient basis or with a short inpatient stay under local anesthesia, possibly with light sedation. Recurring punctures in hospital, the clinic or at the doctor’s are no longer necessary once the catheter has been inserted. The discomfort associated with fluid accumulation is reduced and makes therapeutic punctures superfluous.

Here you will find an overview of the recommended implantation steps of the catheter using the example of a pleural effusion.

Depending on the medical indication, there are different drainage sets for connection to the catheter. You can get a quick overview of how to perform temporary drainage or permanent drainage for use in hospitals or clinics here.

Depending on the viscosity of the pleural effusion or ascites, flushing may be necessary to release an occlusion. Healthcare professionals can flush the catheter after consultation with a doctor.

We would like to ask you to clarify the following points in order to ensure that your patient receives complete care and receives training and drainage material from us to drain the effusions.

If less or no fluid could be drained during the last 3-4 drainages, it is possible that a spontaneous pleurodesis (pleura) has developed or that an effusion is no longer forming due to the therapy and medication. As the attending physician, you can assess whether the catheter can be explanted (removed) using ultrasound or an X-ray, for example.