Using urokinase to restore patency in double lumen catheters.

All hemodialysis patients with temporary or permanent double lumen catheters are at risk for catheter occlusion. Clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of using urokinase, a thrombolytic agent, to declot occluded double lumen dialysis catheters were evaluated for 2 years. Patency was restored in 95 of 102 catheters. These data support the use of urokinase to safely and effectively restore patency, thereby extending the length of time a catheter can be used for dialysis.