Treatment of central venous catheter occlusions with ethanol and hydrochloric acid.

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.