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. 1995 Sep-Oct;19(5):416-8.
doi: 10.1177/0148607195019005416.

Treatment of central venous catheter occlusions with ethanol and hydrochloric acid

S L Werlin  1 , T Lausten, S Jessen, L Toy, A Norton, L Dallman, J Bender, L Sabilan, D Rutkowski
Affiliations

Treatment of central venous catheter occlusions with ethanol and hydrochloric acid

S L Werlin et al. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 1995 Sep-Oct.

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.

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