IPC as first-line therapy Evidence-based. Cost-effective. Patient-centered.
Rapid symptom relief for malignant and non-malignant pleural effusion and ascites – fewer hospital stays, higher quality of life.
IPC as a first line treatment
Evidence-based. Cost-effective. Patient-centered.
Rapid symptom relief for malignant and non-malignant pleural effusion and ascites – fewer hospital stays, higher quality of life.
Why choose an IPC as the first line treatment?
Pleural effusion: The IPC is comparable to talc pleurodesis, but with shorter hospital stays and fewer re-interventions.
Ascites: Patients report rapid symptom relief (76%) and high satisfaction (83%); technical success rate 100%.
Safety: Very low infection rates (2.8% for pleura, 5% for ascites), no increased risk even under chemotherapy or immunosuppression.
Flexibility: IPC enables outpatient management, relieves the burden on hospitals and saves resources.
Clinical evidence overview
Porcel et al. "Efficacy and Safety of Indwelling Catheter for Malignant Pleural Effusions Related to Timing of Cancer Therapy" (2023)
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- No increased risk of infection with early implantation
- Extended lifespan in IPC during chemotherapy
Thomas et al. "Management of Malignant Pleural Effusions - What is new?" (2019)
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- IPC as an effective first-line therapy
- Effective for symptom control
- Fewer hospital stays
Murray et al. "Permanent Tunneled Drainage of Ascites in Palliative Patients: Timing Needs Evaluation" (2022)
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- Early IPC implantation reduces symptom burden; late intervention places a greater burden on patients.
Lungren et al. "Tunneled peritoneal drainage catheter placement for refractory ascites: single-center experience in 188 patients" (2013)
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- 100% technical success rate for implantation
- Very low complication rate (7%)
- Improved symptom control
Ost et al. "The Clinical and Economic Implications of Different Treatment Pathways for Patients With Rapidly Recurrent Malignant Pleural Effusion" (2024)
- Early IPC = fewer complications & costs
Pleural effusion
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Systematic reviews (Porcel 2023):
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>ver 2,900 patients, 3,000 catheters.
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Early IPC-Implantation improves survival and quality of life.
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No increased infection rate, even during chemotherapy.
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Guideline recommendations:
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IPC as afirst-line option to pleurodesis.
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Especially suitable for trapped lung or when pleurodesis is not possible.
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Ascites
Study (Murray 2022, 70 patients):
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Symptom relief: 76%
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Patient satisfaction: 83%
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Median survival: 19 days (palliative population) – rapid improvement in quality of life is crucial.
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Recommendation: Evaluate IPC early, not only after many paracenteses.
Benefits for your patients
- Rapid symptom control (dyspnea, abdominal pressure, pain).
- Improved quality of life through home drainage.
- Fewer hospital stays → more time in familiar surroundings.
- Certainly also with systemic therapy (chemotherapy, immunotherapy)
Advantages for you as a practitioner
- Evidence-based therapy according to international guidelines. *
- Relief of inpatient resources.
- Can be performed on an outpatient basis with a high technical success rate (almost 100%).
- Low infection rates
Benefits for your patients
- Fast symptom control (dyspnea, abdominal pressure, pain).
- High degree of independance with home drainage.
- Fewer hospital stays → more time at home
- Also safe for systemic therapy (chemotherapy, immunotherapy)
Benefits for you as a practitioner
- Evidence-based therapy according to international guidelines.*
- Relief for inpatient resources.
- Can be performed on an outpatient basis with a high technical success rate (nearly 100%).
- Low infection rates
Why we implant earlier today
Get to know our ewimed Report 2025
Data-driven insights on the topic of IPC
* Leitlinie ATS/STS/STR American Thoracic Society, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and Society of Thoracic Radiology (Management of Malignant Pleural Effusions. An Official ATS/STS/STR Clinical Practice Guideline)
Our drainova® ArgentiC catheter with micro-silver
The tunneled ArgentiC catheter enables repeated drainage in patients with recurrent malignant and non-malignant pleural effusions or ascites in both inpatient and home settings. The catheter is made of biocompatible silicone with embedded micro-silver. The silver ions have antimicrobial activity on the catheter surface and reduce the risk of infection without systemic effects.
Features and benefits
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- For implantation in cases of malignant and non-malignant pleural effusion and ascites
- Fast and efficient symptom relief
- Infection reduction
- Reduction in hospital stays
- Lower healthcare costs
- Single-use medical device
- Compatible with drainova®, ewimed and PleurX™ drainage systems for clinical and home use