Blocked catheters and lines

Question 1

What is the primary use of heparin (unfractionated) in extracorporeal circuits?

Answer 1

Prevention of clotting in extracorporeal circuits (used as a flush).

Question 2

How is heparin (unfractionated) used to maintain the patency of catheters and cannulas?

Answer 2

Heparin is flushed through the device (10–200 units) every 4–8 hours, not for therapeutic use.

Question 3

What is the use of urokinase in occluded central venous catheters, blocked by fibrin clots?

Answer 3

Urokinase is instilled directly into the occluded catheter, dissolved in sodium chloride 0.9% (5000 units/mL), and left for 20–60 minutes to dissolve fibrin clots.

Question 4

What is urokinase?

Answer 4

Urokinase is a thrombolytic drug, sometimes called a “clot-busting” drug. It helps your body produce a substance that dissolves unwanted blood clots.

Question 5

How is urokinase used in occluded arteriovenous haemodialysis shunts?

Answer 5

Urokinase is used as a flush.

Question 6

What is epoprostenol and its primary uses?

Answer 6

Epoprostenol is a prostaglandin, a potent vasodilator used for renal dialysis and pulmonary hypertension, and a powerful inhibitor of platelet aggregation.