Having an IPC

An indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) is a tube that we put into your chest to remove fluid from around your lungs. One end of the tube stays inside the chest, and the other passes out through your skin. 

You have an injection of local anaesthetic into the skin before the procedure. This makes the area numb. You should not feel any pain while we put the IPC into your chest.

If you have an IPC, you can drain fluid from the pleural space yourself. You do not have to come back into hospital. This is a permanent solution to the problem of fluid in the pleural space. However, we can remove an IPC if you no longer need it.

Preparing for the procedure

You can eat and drink normally before your procedure. 

Please arrange for someone to travel with you or collect you afterwards, as driving immediately after might be uncomfortable. 

During the procedure

We ask you to remove your clothing on your top half and put on a hospital gown. You lie on your side, in a comfortable position. We clean your skin with an antiseptic to lower the risk of an infection.

You have an ultrasound scan to find the best place to put the IPC.

You have an injection of local anaesthetic to numb the area of your chest where we put in the IPC. This might sting slightly for a short time.

When the area is numb, we make 2 small cuts in the skin and gently open a path for the IPC. This should not be painful, but you feel some pressure or tugging.

The first cut is for the IPC to pass through the skin. The second cut is for the IPC to pass into the pleural space. We then gently move the IPC into your chest.

You have 2 stitches where we put in the tube. Your nurse can remove the stitches after 7 to 14 days.

There is a soft cuff around the IPC, which is positioned under the skin. The skin heals and attaches to the cuff. This makes the IPC more secure and keeps it in position.

After the procedure

You can leave hospital shortly after the procedure if there are no issues. 

You may have some pain and redness around your IPC in the first few days after the procedure, this is normal. Your chest might also feel bruised or sore, this can last up to 1 week. You can take painkillers to help with this, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if you are allowed to take these. Always follow the instructions on the packet. 

Itching is common in the first few days after the procedure. You can try taking anti-histamine tablets, these can be bought at a pharmacy or shop. 

You’ll be given dressings to take home, as well as an initial supply of IPC bottles. These bottles are used for draining the fluid, and your nurse will show you how to do this.

If you have any signs of an allergic reaction to the dressing, such as a red rash, swelling, or blisters, speak to your district nurse or contact the pleural nurse specialist. They can advise on different dressings. 

Returning to normal activities

For the first 2 weeks the stitches should keep the IPC secure, so walking or gentle activities such as light housework or gardening should not be a problem. 

After 2 weeks, you can return to other activities if you feel up to it. 

You should feel comfortable lifting or moving your arms above your head (for example during golf or fishing). We advise that you slowly restart activities to build up strength.

Heavy contact sports should be avoided.  

Showering, bathing and swimming

It’s important to keep the wound dry in the first 2 weeks to reduce the risk of infection. Avoid having baths and swimming. 

Showering is OK, as long as the waterproof dressing is in place. A hand-held shower is best, to avoid soaking the dressing. If the dressing does not stick well afterwards, it should be changed. 

You may find it helpful to shower just before your drainage, when the dressing will be changed anyway.

After 2 weeks you can shower and bath as usual and go swimming if you want. It’s still important to make sure the entry site is clean and dry afterwards, so if the dressing gets wet, change it.

Sleeping

Sleeping may feel uncomfortable at first, but this usually improves as your body gets used to the IPC. You could try sleeping on your back or on the opposite side. Others have found using extra pillows for support helpful. 

Travelling

You can drive or fly with your IPC in place.

If you're planning to travel, you should always make sure you know where to get medical help in case you need it.