Journal of vascular and interventional radiology : JVIR
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J Vasc Interv Radiol · Aug 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialRecombinant tissue plasminogen activator (alteplase) for restoration of flow in occluded central venous access devices: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial--the Cardiovascular Thrombolytic to Open Occluded Lines (COOL) efficacy trial.
Central venous access devices (CVADs) are a mainstay of current medical therapy but often become occluded by thrombus. Tissue plasminogen activator (alteplase), at a dose of 2 mg per 2 mL, has been shown to be effective in restoring flow to catheters proven by radiographic contrast injection to be occluded by thrombus. The purpose of this double-blind placebo-controlled multicenter trial was to determine the efficacy of alteplase in occluded catheters without earlier contrast injections or radiographic examinations. ⋯ Infusion of alteplase appeared to be safe and effective in restoring flow to occluded catheters without need for pretreatment radiographic evaluation.