Two doses of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA, alteplase) opened clogged catheters 88% of the time, according to a study presented by Dr. William Haire at the International Symposium on Endovascular Therapy in Miami this week.
Studies have shown that nearly 20% of catheters clog, with blood clots responsible for the blockage 60% to 90% of the time. Researchers believe t-PA activates an enzyme that binds it to the clot and breaks it up.
Haire, professor of oncology and hematology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, was the lead researcher in the COOL Trial I (Cardiovascular thrombolytic to Open Occluded Lines) multicenter study. The study was initiated to find a replacement for Urokinase, a catheter-clearing drug removed from the market two years ago by the FDA.
A COOL II trial, which will determine if the t-PA therapy is inappropriate for some patients, will be completed this spring. Genentech, a South San Francisco, CA-based manufacturer of t-PA, is underwriting the studies.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writersJanuary 23, 2001
Copyright © 2001 AuntMinnie.com
