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StatPearls, LLC

  • Catheters
  • Drainage
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Pleural Effusion, Malignant
  • Pleurodesis

Intrapleural Catheter Placement

Intrapleural catheters, most commonly indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs), are tunneled silicone drainage systems used for long-term management of recurrent pleural effusions, particularly malignant pleural effusions and trapped-lung physiology. Placement typically occurs under local anesthesia in an outpatient or bedside setting, enabling ambulatory management through intermittent drainage using a one-way valve connected to vacuum bottles. Tunneled design with a polyester cuff encourages tissue ingrowth and lowers infection risk while maintaining catheter stability. Continuous or intermittent drainage relieves dyspnea, reduces hospital utilization, and improves quality of life in appropriately selected patients. Spontaneous pleurodesis may occur during ongoing drainage, eliminating the need for further intervention in some cases. Clinical evidence demonstrates high success rates and fewer repeat invasive procedures compared with conventional chemical pleurodesis when patient selection aligns with physiologic characteristics and disease progression. Participants in this course strengthen their knowledge of patient selection, catheter placement considerations, and management strategies for complications associated with intrapleural catheters. Educational content emphasizes recognition of trapped lung physiology, appropriate drainage schedules, and early identification of infection, blockage, or catheter malfunction. Instruction also highlights outpatient monitoring, discharge planning, and longitudinal follow-up strategies that support safe long-term use. Collaboration among clinicians, nursing professionals, respiratory therapists, and interventional specialists improves care coordination, promotes timely management of complications, and enhances patient education on home drainage. Interprofessional teamwork ultimately supports improved symptom control, reduced hospitalizations, greater patient satisfaction, and better overall clinical outcomes for individuals with…

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 10 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • includes Online course / module
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

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