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smarison
Line occlusions
Ok so we use alteplase for our occluded lumens.  I just spoke with someone who said they use a 3 cc syringe a flush hard to clear the occlusion.  My thought was yikes, through a clot, pop the PICC.  They said it is OK because they use power PICCs, anyone heard of this?  Susan
clhunchusky
Power PICC or not-you can

Power PICC or not-you can still rupture a catheter, especially when there is an occlusion present. Or even worse, push the fibrin debris/clot right into the circulation! Alteplase is the safest way to clear an occlusion!

Cindy Hunchusky, BSN, RN, CRNI

smarison
That is exactly what I
That is exactly what I thought, thanks now I know I am not crazy.   
lynncrni
No you are not crazy but the

No you are not crazy but the person who come up with this idea is definitely a little off in their thinking!! Excessive pressure should never be applied to any catheter with any size syringe as catheter damage can occur along with blowing the clot out. Lynn 

Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI

www.hadawayassociates.com

Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI

Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.

PO Box 10

Milner, GA 30257

Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com

Office Phone 770-358-7861

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