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Goal: To discuss the characteristics, pathophysiology, and assessment of thrombosed central venous cat h e t e rs and their tre atment with lytic enzymes.

Objectives:

Describe the pathophysiology of thrombotic occlusions of CVCs.
Summarize the current lytic enzymes available and their pros and cons.
List the steps in the assessment of the malfunctioning CVC and treatment with a lytic enzyme.

Publication of this CE article is made possible by an educational grant from Genentech Inc.

Janice Ferrell MS, RN, CNN, APN

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