Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 29, 2026

Transradial Access Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients
Published on: September 20, 2020
Catheter-related thrombosis in cancer patients: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management
Rachel P Rosovsky1, David J Kuter
1Hematology/Oncology Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 100 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Abstract:
Central venous catheters (CVCs) are commonly used in oncology patients. Up to 50% of CVCs are complicated by thrombosis within the catheter or the blood vessel. These thrombi are the result of local tissue damage, the catheter itself, and the thrombophilia of cancer. Frequent flushes with saline or heparin may reduce the frequency of catheter dysfunction but do not reduce the rate of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the catheterized blood vessel. Efforts to use prophylactic heparin or warfarin to reduce catheter-related DVT have not been rewarding.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management

