Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 23, 2026

Experimental and Imaging Techniques for Examining Fibrin Clot Structures in Normal and Diseased States
07:09

Experimental and Imaging Techniques for Examining Fibrin Clot Structures in Normal and Diseased States

Published on: April 1, 2015

11.2K

Thrombus on indwelling central venous catheters: the histopathology of "Fibrin sheaths"

J N Suojanen1, D P Brophy, I Nasser

  • 1Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 1 Deaconess Road, Boston, MA 02215, USA.

Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology
|May 24, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Central venous catheters (CVC) used for dialysis often fail due to thrombus formation. This blockage can occur with or without a protein coating, commonly called a fibrin sheath.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Vascular Access
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Central venous catheters (CVCs) are crucial for dialysis.
  • Catheter failure is a significant clinical challenge.
  • Fibrin sheaths are often cited as the primary cause of CVC dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the histopathology of material occluding dialysis catheter ports.
  • To determine the composition of "fibrin sheaths" removed from dialysis catheters.

Main Methods:

  • Ten dialysis catheter strippings were performed.
  • Gross and microscopic examination of the removed catheter material.

Main Results:

  • Histologic analysis revealed the presence of thrombus.
  • Thrombus was observed both with and without an associated proteinaceous sheath.
  • The findings challenge the sole attribution of failure to fibrin sheaths.

Conclusions:

  • Dialysis catheter failure is primarily attributed to thrombus formation.
  • Thrombus can develop irrespective of a protein coating (fibrin sheath).
  • Understanding the role of thrombus is key to preventing dialysis catheter dysfunction.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Hemocompatibility Testing of Blood-Contacting Implants in a Flow Loop Model Mimicking Human Blood Flow09:41

Hemocompatibility Testing of Blood-Contacting Implants in a Flow Loop Model Mimicking Human Blood Flow

Published on: March 5, 2020

9.1K
Author Spotlight: Advancing Cancer Associated Thrombosis Research in Rodent Models04:40

Author Spotlight: Advancing Cancer Associated Thrombosis Research in Rodent Models

Published on: January 5, 2024

3.2K

Related Concept Videos

Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins01:30

Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins

Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
2.5K
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis01:20

Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis

Blood clotting or coagulation involves extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, which ultimately merge into the common pathway, forming a fibrin clot.
The Extrinsic Pathway
The extrinsic pathway of coagulation is typically initiated by tissue damage that exposes blood to tissue factor (TF), a protein released by the damaged tissue cells outside the blood vessels—this interaction with TF triggers biochemical reactions involving specific clotting factors. The key player here is Factor VII, which...
10.6K
Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis01:16

Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis

After a fibrin clot is formed, the next step is clot retraction, a vital process facilitated by platelet contractile proteins, such as actin and myosin. These proteins pull the fibrin strands closer together and condense the clot. This action reduces the size of the clot, creating a smaller, denser structure that effectively seals off the damaged vessel. Clot retraction consolidates the clot and helps with wound healing by bringing the edges of the damaged blood vessel closer together.
5.9K
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction01:30

Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction

Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
800
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:20

Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key difference between Superficial Vein Thrombosis (SVT) and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) lies in their location and severity.Clinical ManifestationsSVT typically presents with localized pain, tenderness, and redness along the course of a superficial vein, often accompanied by a palpable, cord-like structure under the skin. This condition is usually less dangerous than DVT but can be uncomfortable and may lead to complications such as cellulitis or, rarely, a clot extension into the deep...
466
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
481