Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) efficacy in the restoration of hemodialysis catheter function

Thrombus formation within hemodialysis catheters contributes to inadequate dialysis and adverse patient outcomes. A thrombolytic agent may be required to restore patency and improve blood flow. This study evaluates the efficacy of instilling low dose (1 mg/ml) t-PA in catheter lumens to restore patency in malfunctioning catheters. t-PA was utilized to treat suspected catheter thrombus over a four-month period. Seventeen patients with 21 catheters (12 temporary, 9 permanent) received 40 doses of t-PA. Catheter function was restored in 39 of 40 cases (97.5%). Significant improvement in blood flow was confirmed by paired t-test (p < 0.001). Sustained improvement in blood flow was confirmed by ANOVA (p < 0.001). The mean primary patency of all catheters was 29.7 days (SD = 27.0 days). No adverse patient effects were noted. These results demonstrate that t-PA can safely and effectively restore blood flow and extend patency in hemodialysis catheters.