Fibrin buildup contributes to thrombotic complications
Approximately 58% of catheter occlusions are caused by thrombosis1
Common types of catheter occlusions
Intraluminal
thrombus
thrombus
Fibrin tail
Mural thrombus
Fibrin sheath
Occluded catheters can interrupt patient care
- Create treatment delays
- Cause patient discomfort during catheter replacement
- Lead to catheter complications
Because central venous access devices (CVADs) are critical for delivering intravenous therapies and allowing for the withdrawal of blood samples, their proper function must be maintained. Whenever possible, try to salvage the catheter.
- Limited systemic exposure
Produced by recombinant DNA technology, Cathflo is a fibrin-specific t-PA.* It is the only thrombolytic agent marketed and FDA-approved for restoration of function to CVADs. For convenience, Cathflo is available in a single-use, 2-mg vial.
Like naturally forming human t-PA, Cathflo acts specifically on fibrin-rich clots in an occluded catheter.
- Cathflo causes the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin
- Plasmin dissolves fibrin in a clot, which results in thrombotic breakdown
- With the clot dissolved, any residual debris can be aspirated from the catheter, and central venous access is restored
- With Cathflo, there is limited systemic exposure because it works by dwelling in the catheter in direct contact with the clot
- Because it has a short half-life, circulating plasma levels of Cathflo are not expected to reach pharmacologic concentrations, even if a small quantity enters the bloodstream.
See how Cathflo breaks down the clot
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Cathflo minimizes treatment delays and disruptions to patient care
- Avoids line replacement and associated complications
- Easy to store and prepare right at the point of care
The only lytic
- FDA-approved and marketed for restoring CVAD function
- Available in a single-use, 2-mg vial
- Established as safe and effective, from infants as young as 2 weeks to elders
Stephens LC, Haire WD, Kotulak GD. Are clinical signs accurate indicators of the cause of central venous catheter occlusion? J Parent Enter Nutr. 1995;19:75-79.
