The malfunctioning silastic catheter--radiologic assessment and treatment

Occlusion of silastic catheters is attributed to several documented causes. One factor not yet adequately documented is fibrin sleeve formation. In this instance, the catheter functions for infusion purposes, but blood withdrawal is no longer feasible. This is a troublesome occurrence when encountered in the clinical setting. This report reviews the assessment of fibrin sleeve formation, the use of catheter phlebography and treatment with low-dose streptokinase. Seventeen instances of the inability to aspirate blood from silastic catheters are evaluated with restoration of full catheter function in all cases after streptokinase administration.