Cathflo, the 2-mg vial of t-PA – a fibrin-specific therapy*
Cathflo in action
- 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
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.
