Treatment of Central Venous Catheter Occlusions With Ethanol and Hydrochloric Acid

Abstract
Background: Occluded central venous lines (CVLs) is a major problem in pediatric patients. Methods: To relieve obstructed catheters, infusions of ethanol (up to 3 mL of a 70% solution) for presumed lipid occlusions and hydrochloric acid (HCl, 0.1 N, up to 3 mL) for presumed mineral and drug precipitates were given in an attempt to relieve obstructed catheters. Results: Patency was restored in 34 of 39 occluded catheters over an 18‐month period. Conclusions: Clearing occluded CVLs with ethanol and HCl is not only beneficial to the patient but also offers considerable cost savings compared to CVL replacement. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 19:416–418, 1995)