Download reprints of clinical trials and current articles about catheter management

Indication

Cathflo Activase (Alteplase) is indicated for the restoration of function to central venous access devices (CVADs) as assessed by the ability to withdraw blood.

Safety Information

Cathflo Activase should not be administered to patients with known hypersensitivity to Alteplase or any component of the formulation.

In clinical trials, the most serious adverse events reported after treatment were sepsis, gastrointestinal bleeding, and venous thrombosis. Cathflo Activase should be used with caution in the presence of known or suspected infections in the catheter.

Please click here for full prescribing information.

The COOL Trials

Ponec D, Irwin D, Haire WD, Hill PA, Li X, McCluskey ER. Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (alteplase) for restoration of flow in occluded central venous access devices: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial—the Cardiovascular Thrombolytic to Open Occluded Lines (COOL) efficacy trial. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2001;12:951-955. Register for free access to the full article.

Deitcher SR, Fesen MR, Kiproff PM, et al, for the COOL-2 Investigators. Safety and efficacy of alteplase for restoring function in occluded central venous catheters: results of the Cardiovascular Thrombolytic to Open Occluded Lines trial. J Clin Oncol. 2002;20:317-324. Register for free access to the full article.

CAPS Pediatric Trial

Blaney M, Shen V, Kerner J, et al, for the CAPS Investigators. Alteplase for the treatment of central venous catheter occlusion in children: results of a prospective, open-label, single-arm study (the Cathflo Activase Pediatric Study). J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2006;17:1745-1751. Register for free access to the full article.

Efficacy and safety in PICCs

Ng R, Li X, Tu T, et al. Alteplase for the treatment of occluded peripherally inserted central catheters: safety and efficacy in 240 patients. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2004;15:45-49. Register for free access to the full article.

Home Care

Moureau N, Poole S, Murdock MA, et al. Central venous catheters in home infusion care: outcomes analysis in 50,470 patients. J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2002;13:1009-1016. Register for free access to the full article.

Thrombotic occlusions in CVADs

McKnight S. Nurse's guide to understanding and treating thrombotic occlusion of central venous access devices. Medsurg Nurs. 2004;13:377-382. Register for free access to the full article.

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