The treatment of resistant malignant ascites by insertion of a peritoneo-atrial Holter valve.

Holter valves have been used in 9 cases to drain ascites, and in 1 case of pleural effusion, into the superior vena cava. All these effusions were due to malignant disease. Three patients died before the results of the operation could be assessed and in 1 case ascites rapidly recurred. Five patients were relieved until death from their primary disease. One patient died 3 1/4 years after insertion of the valve, but ascites had returned--probably as a result of recurrent blockage of the valve by particulate matter.