LymeNet Flash: TPA and clogged mediport ???

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » TPA and clogged mediport ???

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Topic: TPA and clogged mediport ???

Walnut
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 6585

posted

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.

Posts: 187 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Dec 2004 | IP: Logged |

duramater
LymeNet Contributor
Member # 6480

posted

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!

Posts: 689 | From western MA (we say buttER and pizzA) | Registered: Nov 2004 | IP: Logged |

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