LymeNet Flash: TPA and clogged mediport ???

This is topic TPA and clogged mediport ??? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by Walnut (Member # 6585) on :

I had a mediport inserted a while ago, but have been off IV for over 6 months. The last time I had it flushed, it was clogged (blood can collect at the end of the tube and clog it.), making it non-workable.

My doctor has ordered a TPA. Does anybody know what a TPA is? Has anyone had it done?

It order to schedule an appointment with a hospital infusion center they me my whole medical history and what not, making the whole thing sound like a big deal.

Posted by duramater (Member # 6480) on :

Waaaaaaaaaaaay back when, my PICC line was thought to be clogged (it ended up being phlebitis and having to be pulled).

TPA is "tissue plasminogen activator" which is fancy-speak for clot buster. Typically, this stuff is given for strokes or heart attacks (albeit in higher doses). It is also handy for knocking out clots in clogged ports/PICCs/etc.

I had Urokinase injected (there are a few different tPA's) without problem (or resolution b/c of the phlebitis). Allergies and contraindications to these meds are possible, thus the medical history (e.g., you wouldn't want this if you were taking coumadin for example).

Anyway, hope the tPA that they use opens up your port!