Discharge Instructions for Aspira Drainage System
What is an Aspira catheter?
An Aspira catheter is a thin tube that is inserted in the chest for draining fluid around your lungs. The fluid buildup may be caused by infection, inflammation, injury or other problems. This extra fluid may cause pain or trouble breathing.
One end of the catheter remains outside the skin hidden under a bandage when not in use. The end of this drain attaches to disposable bottles that will drain fluid. The catheter is able to stay in place for long periods of time. This way, you can avoid having to leave home to get fluid removed from your pleural space.
How can you care for yourself at home?
This care sheet explains how to care for your Aspira catheter at home. Please remember, each person recovers at a different speed.
When to drain the fluid from your chest:
- You should drain the fluid 3 times a week (about every other day) or as needed for shortness of breath. You can speak with your health team to come up with a schedule.
- Tell your doctor if you continue to feel short of breath despite the extra draining
- Do not drain more than 500ml at one time as this can cause you pain
- Record the amount of fluid you drain and the color of the fluid every time you drain your Aspira catheter
- Bring your log of drainage amount and color to all follow up doctor appointments
Recovery Instructions
Pain and Discomfort:
Our goal is to treat your pain safely. Sometimes, pain may not go away completely. We will do our best to help you feel better.
- You may have mild to moderate pain where the tubing enters your skin (insertion site). You may feel mild to moderate pain in your lung when you take a deep breath. This is normal and to be expected. It will improve over the next few days.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is an over-the-counter medication you may take if needed for pain. If you are unable to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) due to a medical condition like liver disease, ask your doctor for recommendations. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on label.
Diet:
- You can continue your usual diet, unless your doctor gives you other instructions.
Activity:
- Rest when you feel tired, especially for the first 24 hours you are home. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
- You can go back to normal activities 24 hours after you are home (including driving), unless your doctor gives you other instructions.
- Avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting (do not lift more than 10 pounds)
- Avoid positions that bend or kink your drain tubing.
- Wear loose clothing that does not rub or pull on the drain. Be careful not to pull on it when getting dressed.
- Do not take a bath or swim while you have the drain.
- You may shower 24 hours after your procedure. When you shower, cover the area with waterproof material, such as plastic wrap. Try to keep the area dry.
Caring for the insertion site:
You have a bandage covering the insertion site (where the drain or tubing enters your skin). You will need to change the bandage every time you use the Aspira to drain or any time it is damp, loose, or dirty.
- Each Aspira container package comes with a new bandage dressing kit. To change the bandage:
- Wash your hands with soap and water. Put on gloves.
- Take off the old bandage by holding the drain in one hand and pulling the tape with your other hand.
- Clean around the site with a new alcohol pad. Place the foam catheter pad around the catheter.
- Wind the catheter in a loop and place over the foam pad.
- Cover the catheter with up to four gauze pads.
- Secure the gauze and tubing with the adhesive dressing.
- Remove the gloves. Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Do not use any lotion or powder near the drain site.
- You may have a small amount of bruising at the drain site. This is normal and should go away over the next several days.
Caring for the tubing:
- If the tubing breaks, clamp or tie off the tubing. Go see your doctor as soon as possible.
- Never use scissors, knives, pins, or other sharp objects near the tubing
Follow-Up Care
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.
- Please contact your surgeon’s office for follow up and for any questions.
- Be sure to make and go to all appointments.
- Call your doctor if you are having problems.
- It is also a good idea to know your test results and keep an up-to-date list of the medications you take.
For additional Aspira information go to their website--www.myaspira.com
|
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You pass out (lose consciousness)
- You feel like you cannot breathe
- You have sudden very bad chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood
Call your healthcare provider or seek medical care right away if:
- You have shortness of breath that is new or getting worse.
- You have very bad pain in the area.
- You start sweating; your face changes color, and/or you have a sudden onset of anxiety.
- You cough up a lot more mucus than normal or your mucus changes color.
- Blood has soaked through the bandage. Apply pressure to the area if you see it bleeding.
- You see a lot of fluid around the insertion site or the bandage is soaked
- You are no longer able to drain the fluid
- You have signs of infection such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the puncture site
- Pus draining or red streaks leading from the area
- A fever over 100.4 F (38°C) that does not go down with over-the-counter medications and lasts longer than 24 hours, chills, or body aches
|
© NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.