Ethanol lock in the management of catheter occlusion

JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 1987 Sep-Oct;11(5):507-8. doi: 10.1177/0148607187011005507.

Abstract

Catheter occlusion by lipid material has been associated with the use of lipid containing "all-in-one" compounded solutions during prolonged parenteral nutrition. Previous experience indicated that urokinase is ineffective in clearing such occlusions. We report five patients who developed catheter occlusion with lipid mixes; catheter patency was restored in four by the use of an ethanol solution. No complications were observed, and treatment continued uneventfully in those four subjects.

MeSH terms

  • Catheterization*
  • Ethanol / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Parenteral Nutrition

Substances

  • Ethanol