Central Venous Catheter Occlusion Management

Central Venous Catheter Occlusion Management
Learning Module September 2013 adapted from Calgary Zone Alberta Health Services Education

Table of Contents Introduction 3 Qualification 6 Objectives 7
Target Audience 8 Required Reading 9 Types of Occlusion 10 Non-Thrombotic Occlusions 13 Thrombotic Occlusions 26 Assessment of Occlusion 37 Catheter Clearance Agents 44 Calculating Catheter Lumen Volume 72 Instillation of Catheter Clearance Agents 77 Education and Documentation 85 Learning Resources and Activities 91 Frequently Asked Questions 97 Post-Test 104 Skills Checklist 112

Introduction Occlusion is one of the most common complications associated with central venous catheters It is a significant complication because it can result in: Infusion therapy being disrupted Thrombosis of the blood vessel Infection Infiltration and extravasation Need for catheter removal or replacement

Whenever possible… “Salvaging the dysfunctional catheter, as opposed to removal and insertion of a replacement, is the preferred approach” (Haire, WD., & Herbst, SF., 2000)

If catheter patency is not restored…
“…catheter removal should be considered ...” (INS, 2011, p.S77). “…microbiological studies have shown that the proteins within a clot, such as fibrinogen and fibronectin, attract staphylococcal species and enhance their adherence to the catheter surface, thereby increasing the risk of catheter infection” (Baskin, JI, Pui, Ch and Reiss, U et al, 2009, 164)

Qualification Management of occluded central venous catheters (CVCs) is a specialized clinical competency which is defined as any procedure that requires the nurse to have additional cognitive and psychomotor skill and qualification prior to performing the procedure. Qualification is achieved by successfully completing the educational program which includes the following components: Covenant Health policies, procedures and protocols Learning module Qualification examination - Obtain 85% prior to demonstration of skills Skill demonstration as per checklist When you leave here you’ll need to complete a skills checklist with a qualified RN to complete your qualification Once completed, enter the course information in as an external event. Follow your area process for storing your checklist and re-certifying on a yearly basis

Objectives On completion of the learning module, the learner will be able to: Identify the different types of central venous catheter occlusions Describe assessment of an occluded catheter Describe methods to restore catheter patency Differentiate the various types of catheter clearance agents Describe how to calculate catheter clearance volume Distinguish between the various methods of catheter clearance instillation Describe required patient and staff education Describe required documentation Successfully demonstrate occlusion management procedures as per checklist

Nurses who will be a Unit resource
Target Audience Nurses who will be a Unit resource Nurses in specialized areas where this skill is deemed necessary Prior to undertaking this module, the nurse must be qualified in: CVC - General Care and Maintenance CVC - Removal.

Required Reading Covenant Health- Central Venous Catheter Occlusion Management Procedure – Appendix A Medical Protocol for Occlusion Management Appendix B Priming Volumes and Catheter Composition Covenant Health Latex Allergy Precautions – Care of the Patient/ Client/Resident, Corporate Policy #VII-B-105

Types of Occlusions

Types of Occlusions It is estimated that 25% of catheters will become occluded Signs that may indicate a catheter occlusion include: Unable to flush or aspirate - complete occlusion Able to flush but unable to aspirate - withdrawal occlusion Increased resistance to flushing - sluggish catheter

Types of Occlusions Types of occlusions include: Thrombotic
Non-thrombotic While the majority of occlusions are thrombotic, the literature states 42% are nonthrombotic Occlusions may have more than one cause These stats are from the literature, but in reality, most occlusions will be thrombotic. Example of occlusions having more than one cause – a medication precipitate may be present and then fibrin and blood adhere also causing a thrombotic occlusion – this may require more than one unblocking agent Genentech Inc.

Non-Thrombotic Occlusions

Non-thrombotic Occlusions
There are 4 types of non-thrombotic occlusions including: Mechanical Malpositioned tip Drug or mineral precipitate Lipid residue

Mechanical Occlusions
Mechanical occlusions are caused by an external factor that prevents flushing or aspiration Examples of mechanical occlusions include: Closed clamps Tight sutures around catheter Kinked catheter or tubing Clogged injection cap Catheter collapsing with forceful aspiration Incorrect placement of non-core needle in implanted port Incorrect length of non-coring needle in implanted port Pinch-off syndrome

When a catheter appears to be occluded, the first step is to rule out a mechanical obstruction

Incorrect Placement of Non-Core Needle Remember, if unable to flush or aspirate blood with an implanted port - the first step is to re-access to rule out needle malposition

Pinch-Off Syndrome Catheters inserted into the subclavian vein may be “pinched off” between the clavicle and first rib Signs and Symptoms: inability to infuse and/or withdraw that is resolved when changing the patient’s position (raising arms or rolling shoulders forward) Chest X-ray must be taken to confirm pinch-off syndrome If pinch-off syndrome confirmed on CXR – catheter must be removed due to risk of catheter rupture or fracture

Catheter Tip Malposition
Ideal CVC tip placement is in the lower 1/3 of the SVC Incidence of malposition has been reported to be as high as 29% for CVCs inserted in the subclavian vein and up to 55% for PICCs Factors that may increase the incidence of malposition include: Initial tip placement not in the lower 1/3 of SVC Increased intrathoracic pressure - coughing and vomiting Vigorous movements of upper extremities Inadequate catheter securement

In addition to the inability to infuse and/or withdraw, there may be additional signs and symptoms of catheter tip malposition including: Change in length of external portion of catheter Arm or shoulder discomfort Arrhythmias Feeling a sensation in neck or hearing a gurgling sound during infusion

If any of the additional signs and symptoms of catheter tip malposition exist, radiographic studies must be undertaken prior to instilling a catheter clearance agent Possible interventions to assist with tip reposition include: repositioning patient coughing vigorous flushing of catheter, if appropriate

Drug or Mineral Precipitates
Causes of drug or mineral precipitates include: Drug crystallization Drug-drug incompatibility Drug-solution incompatibility Drugs that are notorious causes of precipitate include: Phenytoin Heparin (given after a drug without first flushing with normal saline) Calcium and phosphate safeinfusiontherapy.com

Drug or Mineral Precipitates
Understanding drug precipitate is simple chemistry. Acidic drugs (low pH) are more soluble in an acidic environment. They will have a tendency to precipitate when mixed with a basic drug (high pH). Basic drugs (high pH) are more soluble in a basic environment. They will have a tendency to precipitate when mixed with an acidic drug (low pH).

Lipid Residue Lipid residue
Drugs with lipid-containing vehicles (eg. Propofol) Total nutrient admixtures (3-in-1) The exact cause of the waxy lipid build-up is unknown; however, formation of a lipid protein complex has been suggested

Lipid Residue It is often difficult to distinguish between lipid and thrombotic occlusions. Typically with a lipid occlusion, increasing resistance to flushing will be noted for several days prior to the catheter completely occluding with lipid sludge. In some cases, a waxy like substance may be visualized in the hub of the catheter when the cap is removed.

Thrombotic Occlusions

Thrombotic occlusions involve the formation of fibrin or thrombus within/around the CVC or in the surrounding vessel. 4 types of thrombotic occlusions include: Intraluminal thrombus Fibrin tail Fibrin sheath or sleeve Mural thrombus Hover over each type and get a picture

Thrombotic occlusions involve the formation of fibrin or thrombus within/around the CVC or in the surrounding vessel. 4 types of thrombotic occlusions include: Intraluminal thrombus Fibrin tail Fibrin sheath or sleeve Mural thrombus

Four Types of Thrombotic Occlusions
Four different types of thrombotic occlusion can occur in catheters An intraluminal thrombus forms inside the lumen of the catheter when blood products or fibrin build up. This may cause a partial or a complete occlusion. A fibrin tail, or flap, can form when fibrin extends from the end of the catheter. This may cause a partial occlusion, where during infusion, the tail is pushed outward allowing fluid to flow out. However, an attempt to aspirate will draw the tail inward like a one-way valve, thereby blocking the opening of the lumen and preventing blood from being drawn. A mural thrombus forms when fibrin from a a vessel wall injury binds to the fibrin covering the catheter surface, and may lead to formation of a venous thrombus in addition to catheter obstruction. A fibrin sheath forms when fibrin adheres to the external surface of the catheter and encases it like a sock, covering the openings of the catheter tip. It may extend the full length of the catheter. Haire WD, Herbst SF. Consensus conference on the use of alteplase (t-PA) for the management of thrombotic catheter dysfunction. J Vasc Access Devices. Highlights Bulletin: Summer 2000: 1-8. Wingerter L. Vascular access device thrombosis. Clin. J. Oncol. Nurs ;7(3): McKnight S. Nurses guide to understanding and treating thrombotic occlusion of central venous access devices. Medsurg Nurs. 2004;13(6): Forms inside catheter lumen May cause partial or complete occlusion Fibrin extends from the end of the catheter Can act as a one-way valve causing a partial occlusion Fibrin from vessel wall injury binds to fibrin on catheter surface May cause venous thrombus as well as catheter obstruction Forms when fibrin adheres to the external catheter surface, encasing it like a sock, covering the opening of the catheter tip Images courtesy of Genentech, Inc. used with permission. Haire WD. J Vasc Access Devices. 2000; Wingerter. L. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2003; 7:435

Blood clotting is the transformation of liquid blood into a semisolid gel. The blood contains about a dozen clotting factors, proteins that exist in an inactive state, but can be called into action when tissues or blood vessels are damaged. The activation of clotting factors occurs in a sequential manner. The first factor in the sequence activates the second factor, which activates the third factor and so on. This series of reactions is called the coagulation (clotting) cascade. Coagulation is a multistep process that involves two pathways—an “intrinsic” pathway and an “extrinsic” pathway. The extrinsic pathway requires tissue factor, which is not normally present in the blood (hence the name). Tissue factor is exposed following injury to the vessel wall and triggers the coagulation cascade. The intrinsic pathway is initiated by the exposure of plasma to the skin or collagen of damaged vessels. A series of clotting factors present in the blood are activated sequentially and lead to the formation of thrombin, an activated clotting factor. Thrombin catalyzes the conversion of fibrinogen, a soluble blood protein, to fibrin, insoluble strands which form the scaffolding upon which platelets and red blood cells aggregate to form the hemostatic clot or thrombus. Blood clots are designed to be temporary. Once the vessel is healed, the blood clot is no longer needed. The clot itself stimulates secretion of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) from surrounding vascular epithelium. tPA catalyzes the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, the enzyme that dissolves the clot. Plasmin levels are not very high, so the clot removal process is slow. Fibrinolytic agents such as alteplase (recombinant tPA) (CATHFLO®) remove clots by dissolving the fibrin strands to break apart the thrombus. Fuster V, Verstraete M. Hemostasis, thrombosis, fibrinolysis, and cardiovascular disease. In: Braunwald E, Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders;1997:

Intraluminal Thrombus
Internal lumen of catheter is obstructed either by clotted blood or the accumulation of fibrin. Coagulation and clot formation results from inadequate flushing or reflux of blood due to negative pressure within the catheter (i.e. coughing, valsalva maneuver, failure to use positive pressure). Genentech Inc.

Fibrin Tail Platelet aggregation and fibrin accumulation can cause a “tail” of fibrin that extends off the end of the catheter tip. The tail may not interfere with infusion but may occlude the catheter during aspiration, if it is drawn up against the tip. This type of occlusion is called a withdrawal occlusion. Genentech Inc.

Fibrin Sleeve or Sheath
Platelet aggregation and fibrin deposit encase the external surface of the catheter and form a sac around the distal end. The sleeve or sheath may cause retrograde flow of infusate back up the length of the catheter. If the sleeve or sheath extend to the vein insertion site, the infusate may even be observed on the skin, or in subcutaneous pocket. Genentech Inc. Genentech Inc.

Mural Thrombus Endothelial damage to the blood vessel results in fibrin deposition at the point of cellular damage. If the thrombus occurs only along the wall of the vein, it is called a mural thrombus. If thrombus completely occludes the vein, it is called a venous thrombus. If mural or venous thrombosis involves the tip of the catheter, obstruction may occur. Genentech Inc.

An “instillation occlusion’ may occur with a port catheter
An “instillation occlusion’ may occur with a port catheter. In this case, blood can be aspirated but the device cannot be flushed or the medication cannot be administered. The occlusion is a “sludge” of debris which contain both thrombus as well as precipate. It is important to ensure adequate flushing between therapies to prevent this type of occlusion.

Assessment for Occlusion Management

Risk vs. Benefit Although occlusion management has many benefits, it may also be associated with some risks including: Releasing bacteria into the venous system that may have been embedded in the clot, biofilm, fibrin, or precipitate Adverse reactions to catheter clearance agent Catheter damage Embolization of clot, precipitate or catheter

Risk vs. Benefit When assessing risk vs. benefit, the following questions may assist in determining if the occlusion should be managed or the catheter removed: Is the CVC still required? If so, for how long? Are there any other venous access options? Would alternate appropriate venous access be easily obtained? Is there a suspected or confirmed catheter related infection? Are there any contraindications to using a specific unblocking agent? The main question that must be answered is: Does the need to salvage this catheter outweigh the risks associated with treating the occlusion?

Assessment Prior to initiating occlusion management the qualified nurse must confirm: The type of catheter That an occlusion exits and the most likely cause The qualified nurse must also review the patient’s physical status, allergies and any other contraindications to using the catheter clearance agent

Assessing Type of Catheter
Tunneled CVCs, PICCs and Implanted Ports Unblocking procedures may be used if deemed appropriate Direct Percutaneous CVCs and Midlines Blocked lumens should be labeled as blocked and consideration given to removing catheter as soon as possible. If catheter is not removed, manage the occlusion. Apheresis or Dialysis Catheters Blocked lumens must be managed by qualified staff in those specialty areas In some cases a decision will be made to salvage a direct percutaneous CVC/short term CVC if the risk of catheter insertion is high. Catheters with occlusions should be removed or the occlusion managed.

Assessing the Cause Does patient have a history of hypercoagulation?
Have mechanical causes of occlusion been ruled out? Are there any indications that the tip may be malpositioned? What was the last medication infused? Is the patient receiving incompatible medications? Has the catheter been flushed with saline between infusions/medications? Is the catheter locked with heparin?

Assessing the Cause Are drugs with lipid containing vehicles or TNA being infused? Did the occlusion develop suddenly or over several days? Has the catheter been used for blood sampling? Are push/pause flushing and positive pressure being used? Are blood or lipids visible in the catheter? TNA = total nutrition admixture

Catheter Clearance Agents

Catheter Clearance Agents
Indication Clearance Agent Thrombotic Occlusions Alteplase (Cathflo) Lipid Occlusions Ethyl Alcohol Precipitates of low pH (acidic) drugs or calcium phosphorus precipitates Hydrochloric Acid Precipitates of high pH (alkaline) drugs i.e. gancyclovir, acyclovir, ampicillin, phenytoin, septra Sodium Bicarbonate The most common type of occlusion is thrombotic. If an occlusion is caused by precipitate or lipid, contact site resource for assistance with occlusion management.

Note... The majority of catheter occlusions are thrombotic, therefore, if unable to determine the cause of the occlusion, and there are no contraindications, a thrombolytic should be tried first. Genentech Inc.

pH of common drugs Medication pH Unblocking Agent Alkaline Acidic
Ampicillin 8 - 10 Sodium Bicarbonate Dilantin Acyclovir Gancyclovir 11 Acidic Vancomycin 2.5 – 4.5 Hydrochloric Acid Ciprofloxacin 3.5 – 4.6 Dopamine 3.3 – 3.6 Gentamicin 3.0 – 5.5 Morphine 2.5 – 6.5 Amikacin 3.5 – 5.5 Piperacillin/Tazobatam 4.5 – 6.9 Note: Information regarding pH of medications is located in Micromedix – Trissel’s IV Compatibility Note: Some medications have a tendency to precipitate which is not related to pH. The use of sodium bicarbonate or hydrochloric acid is unlikely to be effective. Some examples include: cloxacillin, heparin, diazepam

Cathflo Description Indications and Usage
Converts plasminogen to plasmin which initiates local fibrinolysis. Indications and Usage Cathflo is indicated for restoration of function to CVCs - as assessed by the ability to withdraw blood. Genentech Inc.

Cathflo Breaks Down the Clot
Genentech Inc.

See How Cathflo Works http://www.cathflo.com/moa/index.jsp
Cut and past into browser to see how Cathflo works

Cathflo Efficacy Efficacy has been shown in 2 major studies – COOL-1 and COOL-2

After the first 120 min treatment, function was restored in 74% (51 of 69) of the CATHFLO® treatment group compared to 17% (12 of 70) in the placebo arm (p< ). After the second dose of CATHFLO®, the cumulative restoration of function was 90%. There were no serious study drug-relate adverse events, no intracranial hemorrhage, no major hemorrhage, and no embolic events. All types of central catheters, including single-, double- and triple-lumen, ports, Groshong catheters, Hickman catheters, apheresis catheters and PICCs were studied in this trial. Catheters used for hemodialysis were not included, however catheters of similar type (tunneled 14-F apheresis catheters) were included and showed efficacy rates similar to those seen in the overall study. Ponec D, Irwin D, Haire DW et al. 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(8):

Function was restored in 52% and 75% of catheters at 30 and 120 minutes after the first dose of alteplase, and in 84% and 87% at 30 and 120 minutes after the second dose, respectively. There were no cases of Intra Cranial Hemmorhage during the study. There were no cases of death, major bleeding episodes, or embolic events attributable to the treatment. Rare adverse reactions included five cases of sepsis, three cases of GI bleeding and one injection site hemorrhage in patients with underlying disease, and three cases of deep vein thrombosis that may have been related to the underlying disease. 346 patients who had successful treatment outcomes were available for follow-up evaluation at 30 days after treatment. 74% of these patients had functional catheters; 26% had recurrent catheter dysfunction. Deitcher S, Fesen MR, Kiproff PM et al. 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 Oncology, 2002; 20(1):

The COOL-2 trial demonstrated that shorter duration of occlusion correlates with higher rate of restored catheter function. Catheter function was restored in 91% of patients with an occlusion lasting less than 24 hr after up to 2 doses of alteplase using a 2 hr dwell. Function was restored in 84% of patients after up to 2 doses of alteplase using a 2 hour dwell with an occlusion lasting 1 to 14 days. Restoration rates continued to decrease as the duration of occlusion increased. Deitcher S, Fesen MR, Kiproff PM et al. 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 Oncology, 2002; 20(1):

Cathflo Concentration Preparation Stability 2mg vial – 1 mg/mL
Add 2.2 mL of sterile water for injection (non-bacteriostatic) Do not shake vial – swirl and/or invert gently to mix Attach a 5 micron filter needle to 10mL syringe Withdraw 2mL (2mg) of solution from the reconstituted vial Remove the filter needle from syringe Note: For patients with a latex allergy, prepare medication according Covenant Health Policy & Procedure. Stability Reconstituted vial may be stored for 8 hours when stored between ° C Unreconstituted vials must be refrigerated Genentech Inc.

Cathflo Instillation Volume
2 mL or equal to volume of catheter lumen, if indicated Dwell Time minutes May be left in catheter overnight if required Aspirate 4-5mLs and discard May repeat dose x 1 Monitoring Baseline BP, pulse, respirations and temperature If you have a dual lumen catheter with both lumens blocked - it's up to your discretion if you choose to instill 1mg into each lumen or the full 2mg dose in each - the type of catheter and lumen volume might help you decide. The weekly maximum dose is 4 mg. Genentech Inc.

Cathflo Genentech Inc.

Cathflo Contraindications Precautions
Cathflo should not be administered to patients with known hypersensitivity to Alteplase or any component of the formulation. Precautions Caution with patients who have active internal bleeding or who have had any of the following within 48 hours: Surgery Obstetrical delivery Percutaneous biopsy of viscera or deep tissues or puncture of non-compressible vessels Caution with patients who have thrombocytopenia, other hemostatic defects or any condition for which bleeding is a significant risk or would be difficult to manage because of its location or who are at high risk for embolic complications (venous thrombosis in the region of the catheter) Use in pregnancy only if potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus Caution in the presence of known or suspected infection in the catheter Genentech Inc.

Reconstituting Cathflo
See Resource List for video You may need to open the video file attached to see the video

Ethyl Alcohol Description Indications and Usage Efficacy
Acts as a solvent to dissolve the lipid residue Indications and Usage Lipid occlusions in central venous catheters Efficacy In a study by Werlin (1995), 58% of catheters thought to be occluded with lipid were cleared with ethyl alcohol.

Ethyl Alcohol Concentration Preparation Stability
70% ethyl alcohol for injection Preparation Prepared by pharmacy Supplied in vial Stability May be stored for 24 hours at room temperature Instillation Volume Equal to volume of catheter lumen

Ethyl Alcohol Dwell Time Monitoring 60 minutes
Aspirate 3mLs and discard May repeat dose x 1 Monitoring Baseline BP, pulse, respirations and temperature

Ethyl Alcohol Adverse Reactions Contraindications Precautions Sepsis
Tiredness Headaches Dizziness Nausea Contraindications Hypersensitivity to ethanol DO NOT use with polyurethane catheters Precautions Patients should be advised not to drive following instillation of ethanol Caution in the presence of known or suspected infection in the catheter

Hydrochloric Acid Description
Dissolves drug precipitate by altering the pH in the catheter. Acidic drugs become more soluble in an acidic environment Indications and Usage Calcium phosphorus precipitates or precipitates of low pH drugs in CVCs i.e. amikacin, piperacillin, vancomycin, heparin, morphine, adriamycin, ciprofloxacin Efficacy In a study by Duffy, et al (1989), 58% of occlusions attributed to mineral precipitate cleared with HCl

Hydrochloric Acid Concentration Preparation Stability
0.1 N (molar) Preparation Prepared by pharmacy Supplied in vial Stability May be stored for 24 hours at room temperature Instillation Volume Equal to volume of catheter lumen

Hydrochloric Acid Dwell Time Monitoring 20-60 minutes
Aspirate 3mL and discard May repeat dose x 3 Monitoring Baseline BP, pulse, respirations and temperature

Hydrochloric Acid Adverse Reactions Contraindications Precautions
Febrile reaction Sepsis Otherwise, minimal risk of adverse reactions when used for occlusion management Contraindications None Precautions DO NOT use hydrochloric acid (HCL) after sodium bicarbonate (or vice versa) – even in final effort to clear a catheter. The combination could generate heat and damage the catheter material. Measures must be taken to protect the patient and the nurse from a potential splash to eyes or exposed skin

Sodium Bicarbonate Description Indications and Usage Efficacy
Dissolves drug precipitate by altering the pH in the catheter. Alkaline drugs become more soluble in an alkaline environment Indications and Usage Precipitates of high pH drugs in CVCs i.e. gancyclovir, acylovir, ampicillin, phenytoin, septra Efficacy Although literature describes the use of sodium bicarbonate, there are no reported statistics on the efficacy

Sodium Bicarbonate Concentration Preparation Stability
8.4% NaHCO3 Preparation Prepared by pharmacy Supplied in vial Stability May be stored for 24 hours at room temperature Instillation Volume Equal to volume of the catheter lumen

Sodium Bicarbonate Dwell Time Monitoring 20-60 minutes
Aspirate 3mLs and discard May repeat dose x 1 Monitoring Baseline BP, pulse, respirations and temperature

Sodium Bicarbonate Adverse Reactions Contraindications Precautions
Febrile reactions Sepsis Otherwise, minimal risk of adverse reactions when used for occlusion management Contraindications None Precautions DO NOT use sodium bicarbonate after hydrochloric acid (or vice versa) – even in final effort to clear a catheter. The combination could generate heat and damage the catheter material.

Calculating Lumen Volume

Calculating lumen volume may rarely be required when instilling catheter clearance agents If catheter has been trimmed on insertion you will need to calculate volume after trimming To calculate lumen volume refer to: catheter insertion record Appendix 2 – Priming Volumes and Catheter Composition

Example 4 FR Groshong PICC originally 60 cm long with a volume 0.45 mL Inserted length 37 cm, external length 3 cm (remember to add 2 cm for hub) Calculation 60 cm = 42 cm 0.45 mL X Lumen Volume = 0.32mL

Example Implanted port: Bard PowerPort isp MRI implanted port – (no documentation of trimmed length) Non-Core Needle: Bard Safestep 22 gauge without needleless y-site Calculation Power Port: 1.5 mL volume Safestep Non-Coring Needle: 0.3mL volume Lumen Volume = 1.8mL (before trimming)

Instillation of Catheter Clearance Agents

Instillation of Catheter Clearance Agents
Technique Indication Direct Instillation Technique Withdrawal occlusion or sluggish catheter Negative Pressure Technique Without Stopcock Complete occlusion Negative Pressure Technique Using Stopcock Complete occlusion when catheter clearance agent is supplied in syringe smaller than 10 mL . Insert Pictures

Direct Instillation Technique
Indication Withdrawal occlusion or sluggish catheter Technique Flush catheter with saline Direct instillation of agent Allow agent to dwell for appropriate amount of time Withdraw and discard agent Flush catheter well with NS 20-30 mL. of saline is used to flush the catheter after blood is withdrawn. Lock the catheter with the appropriate locking solution.

Negative Pressure Technique No Stopcock
Indication Complete Occlusion Technique Create negative pressure with empty syringe Instill agent using gentle push/pull action – DO NOT use force when pushing Allow agent to dwell for appropriate amount of time Withdraw and discard agent Flush catheter well with NS

Negative Pressure Technique No Stopcock
See Resource List for video

Negative Pressure Technique Stopcock
Indication Complete occlusion when catheter clearance agent is supplied in syringe smaller than 10mL Technique Using stopcock create negative pressure Open stopcock to catheter clearance agent Allow agent to dwell for appropriate amount of time Withdraw and discard agent Flush catheter well with NS

Preparing Supplies See Resource List for video

Procedure See Resource List for video

Education and Documentation

Education Prior to instillation of an agent, explain the procedure and instruct the patient regarding possible adverse effects of the catheter clearance agent Post instillation of an agent, instruct the patient about safe behaviours and mandatory restrictions regarding the use of the catheter, including: Lumen to remain labelled Adverse reactions Lumen not to be used until agent removed Any agent specific precautions

Documentation signature
Label the lumen with a “Medication Added” label with the following: DO NOT USE Medication amount date time signature

Documentation Post instillation of agent, document in patient’s health record: Education Baseline vital signs (if required) Catheter clearance agent instilled Lumens instilled Do not use labeled lumen Dwell time required

Documentation Post aspiration of agent, document in patient’s health record: Number of attempts Outcome of procedure Patient’s response to procedure Recommendations for any required changes in procedures for maintenance of catheter patency.

Learning Resources and Activities

Additional Learning Resources
Site / Provincial Drug Monographs Package insert for the appropriate declotting/unblocking agent Cathflo website:

Learning Activities Case Study
Mrs. J. is a 54 year old woman who has been receiving parenteral nutrition at home through a Bard 9.6 FR single lumen tunneled Hickman catheter which has been insitu for 2 years. The insertion documentation does not indicate the length of the catheter. She reported that over the last few weeks she had increasing resistance while flushing and today she is unable to flush at all. Identify the most likely cause of the occlusion What is the most appropriate catheter clearance agent? Can the indicated unblocking agent be safely used in this type of catheter? If she had a Power PICC Solo would you be able to treat the occlusion? Can you determine the priming volume of the catheter? What volume of catheter clearance agent would you use? Most likely cause: lipid occlusion Most appropriate catheter clearance agent: ethyl alcohol Can agent be used with this catheter? Yes If pt. had power PICC solo – could not use ethyl alcohol as it may damage the catheter Priming volume of catheter – unable to determine exact volume because trimmed length not documented. Volume before trimming would be 1.8mL. Discussion with physician may be done re: some of the agent will be given systemically Volume of catheter clearance agent – 1.8mL

Mr. G. has been in hospital for 6 days receiving ampicillin through his #4FR Groshong PICC. Inserted length 42cm, external length 3cm. Today the nurse infused ampicillin just after infusing an incompatible medication and she forgot to flush in between medications. Immediately after she started the pump it showed a downstream occlusion and she was unable to flush the catheter. Identify the most likely cause of the occlusion What is the most appropriate catheter clearance agent? Calculate the lumen volume of the catheter Write out how the order should be sent to pharmacy Are there any precautions to consider prior to instilling the unblocking agent? Most likely cause of occlusion: medication precipitate Most appropriate catheter clearance agent: Sodium Bicarbonate Lumen Volume: 0.35mL Pharmacy Order: NaHC03 8.4% instill 0.35mL into lumen. Allow to dwell for 20 – 60 minutes then aspirate and discard. May repeat dose x 1. Precautions: Do not mix in catheter with HCl and caution in the presence of known or suspected infection in the catheter.

On PICC rounds you notice that Mr. T’s 5FR dual lumen Groshong PICC has tape around the white lumen and it is labeled “blocked-do not use”. You note blood backed up into the injection cap. The nurse tells you that it has been blocked for about a week, but they only require one lumen so they are not concerned. Do you agree with the nurse that you should not be concerned? What are the risks of leaving a lumen blocked? Considering what you know about the efficacy of Cathflo, if the lumen has been blocked for 1 week, is it worth trying to treat the occlusion? Do you agree with nurse that you should not be concerned? No. Failure to treat an occluded catheter increases the risks of: Infusion therapy being disrupted, Thrombosis of the blood vessel, Infection, Infiltration or extravasation,Need for catheter removal or replacement Is it worth treating occlusion: Yes, the efficacy of Cathflo is 84% for a catheter that has been occluded for 1 – 14 days

Your are called to a unit to assess Mrs. C’s PICC. She has a dual lumen 5FR Power PICC Solo. The purple lumen is functioning well but the red lumen is completely occluded. The nurse reports that the red lumen occluded yesterday, shortly after she obtained blood samples from the lumen. Mrs. C. has been on IV cefazolin for 5 days for left leg cellulitis and it is anticipated that she will receive 2 more days of therapy. What is the most appropriate catheter clearance agent? Would you instill this agent? Explain your rationale Most appropriate catheter clearance agent: Cathflo Would you instill agent? Prior to deciding whether or not to instill cathflo, the nurse should consider: Does the patient have other venous access options? Would alternate venous access be easily obtained? Is there a suspected or confirmed catheter infection? Are there any contraindications or cautions to using Cathflo? (hypersensitivity to alteplase, active internal bleeding, recent surgery, hemostatic defects, high risk for embolic complications, pregnant)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What happens if the catheter clearance agent is unsuccessful and you are not able to withdraw it? Can you attempt to flush the catheter? A. The catheter clearance literature recommends withdrawing and discarding catheter clearance agents. However, when catheter clearance has not been effective, this may not be possible. Unless, there is a clinical indication that patient should not receive any of the agent systemically (eg. haematological disorder and Cathflo) you may need to flush the agent in to fully assess the patency of the catheter. If you have any concerns you should review the patient’s situation with his/her physician.

Q. A power PICC solo has had several thrombotic occlusions which have been treated successfully with Cathflo. Flushing and locking technique is appropriate and the tip is positioned in the lower 1/3 of the superior vena cava. Is there anything else that should be tried to prevent further occlusions? A. Some patients may have issues with hyper-coagulation. If your patient’s history indicates that this could be an issue, you may want to discuss with the physician whether a heparin lock or sodium citrate 4% lock should be used to prevent further occlusions.

Q. What if you can’t determine the lumen volume of the catheter and the agent is supposed to be instilled according to the lumen volume? In most situations, alteplase is not ordered according to lumen volume. As per monograph, the usual dosage is 2mL. All other agents are ordered according to lumen volume, so prior to proceeding you must discuss with the ordering physician if they want to proceed knowing that some of the agent may be injected into the venous system.

Q. What if you can’t determine the most likely cause of the occlusion? A. If your assessment suggests that it is appropriate to proceed with occlusion management – Cathflo should be the first catheter clearance agent used because the majority of catheter occlusions are thrombotic. Ensure that there are no contraindications to using Cathflo prior to proceeding.

Q. What if you can’t determine what type of implanted port a patient has and the physician has ordered ethyl alcohol to treat a lipid occlusion? A. If you are unable to determine if the catheter is polyurethane or silicone, you cannot proceed with instillation of ethyl alcohol because of the risk of damaging the a polyurethane catheter

Q. Do vital signs need to be taken immediately prior to instilling a catheter clearance agent? A. Baseline vital signs are necessary to rule out such precautions as a catheter related infection. Vital signs also provide baseline data in case of any adverse reaction to the catheter clearance agent. If there are already documented vital signs for the shift, review these and if appropriate proceed with instillation. If there are no vital signs documented for the shift, obtain vital signs prior to instillation.

Central Venous Catheter Occlusion Management

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "Central Venous Catheter Occlusion Management"— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback

Log in

Auth with social network:

Central Venous Catheter Occlusion Management

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "Central Venous Catheter Occlusion Management"— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback