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Treatment of central venous catheter occlusions with ethanol and hydrochloric acid
S L Werlin1, T Lausten, S Jessen
1Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA.
JPEN. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
|September 1, 1995
Abstract
Background:
Occluded central venous lines (CVLs) is a major problem in pediatric patients.
Methods:
To relieve obstructed catheters, infusions of ethanol (up to 3 mL of a 70% solution) for presumed lipid occlusions and hydrochloric acid (HCl, 0.1 N, up to 3 mL) for presumed mineral and drug precipitates were given in an attempt to relieve obstructed catheters.
Results:
Patency was restored in 34 of 39 occluded catheters over an 18-month period.
Conclusions:
Clearing occluded CVLs with ethanol and HCl is not only beneficial to the patient but also offers considerable cost savings compared to CVL replacement.