rt-PA Helps Prevent Hemodialysis Catheter Malfunction

Central venous catheters are used for vascular access in patients who are undergoing hemodialysis, but about 50% of catheters fail within 1 year, usually due to thrombosis. Catheter failure is associated with higher incidences of infection, hospitalization, and death, as well as with higher costs. Various agents (locking solutions) are instilled routinely into central venous catheters after …