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
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
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, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861