Preliminary results of a new small-bore percutaneous pleural catheter used for treatment of malignant pleural effusions in ECOG PS 3-4 patients

TS through UNICO® is safe and efficient. The drainage was well-tolerated by all patients, even in case of its long-term stay. We may conclude that bedside TS through this new small-bore percutaneous drainage should be proposed as a viable clinical solution for MPEs in ECOG PS 3-4 patients, unfit for a thoracoscopic procedure. Moreover, with this device, we believe that TS might be an accessible procedure for pulmonologists and oncologists too.