title: Ethanol flush for the prevention of catheter occlusion.
abstract: Catheter occlusion by lipid material has been associated with the use of compounded nutrient solutions containing lipid. We have studied the incidence of catheter occlusion when either a saline or an ethanol flush has been used prior to the application of a heparin lock following an overnight infusion of such nutrients. Lipid occlusion occured in 13 of 23 catheters when a saline flush preceeded the application of a heparin lock, whereas the use of a 20% ethanol solution before the application of the heparin lock resulted in only 2 occlusoins in 28 catheters (p < 0.001). In addition there was significantly longer catheter survival in the ethanol group (p < 0.01). It is concluded that an ethanol flush may significantly reduce the incidence of catheter occlusion during the use of lipid mixes.
authors.affiliation: Gastro-intestinal Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Richards
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Pennington