Using urokinase to restore patency in double lumen catheters
Northsea, C.
Anna Journal 21(5): 261-264; 273
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 8750-0779 PMID: 8080337 Document Number: 424336
All hemodialysis patients with temporary or permanent double lumen catheters are at risk for catheter occlusion. Clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of using urokinase, a thrombolytic agent, to declot occluded double lumen dialysis catheters were evaluated for 2 years. Patency was restored in 95 of 102 catheters. These data support the use of urokinase to safely and effectively restore patency, thereby extending the length of time a catheter can be used for dialysis.