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Abstract

Catheter obstruction is a venous access port related complication occurring when infusion and withdrawal of blood from the system are not possible and is caused by the formation of a blood clot or other substances precipitation.

Frequent infusion through the catheter of solutions containing heparin and positive-pressure locking techniques reduce occlusion incidence. A correct management of a suspected occlusion requires a chest radiograph to verify the correct positioning of the catheter and a Doppler Ultrasound or venography to evaluate the possibility of vascular thrombosis. Catheter obstruction is usually successfully treated by infusion of a fibrinolytic agent.

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Correspondence to Francesca Ratti .

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© 2012 Springer-Verlag Italia

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Ratti, F., Catena, M., Paganelli, M., Aldrighetti, L. (2012). Catheter Obstruction. In: Di Carlo, I., Biffi, R. (eds) Totally Implantable Venous Access Devices. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2373-4_25

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-2373-4_25

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Milano

  • Print ISBN: 978-88-470-2372-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-88-470-2373-4

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