Use of hydrochloric acid to restore patency in an occluded implantable port: a case report.

The use of home intravenous therapy is increasing for long-term care in patients with chronic illness. Long-term infusions require the use of a vascular access device with the potential for occlusion. Occlusions may be the result of thrombus formation, lipid deposits, or precipitation of drug or mineral deposits. Use of an algorithmic approach is necessary to assist in an organized evaluation of an occluded vascular access device and the selection of an appropriate pharmacologic agent. This case study describes the use of hydrochloric acid to restore patency to an occluded implantable port.