Randomized Prospective Trial of Rt-PA Infusion Versus Catheter Exchange for Treatment of Dialysis Catheter Malfunction Due to Fibrin Sheath Formation

Patients who come to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Presbyterian Medical Center or American Access in Northeast Philadelphia with a dialysis catheter that's not functioning well, will be screened for this study.

If the patient qualifies and consents to participate, an envelope will be opened that tells us to exchange the catheter for a new one OR infuse TPA (clot-dissolving drug) into the 2 ports for two and a half hours. Some dialysis patients have had a TPA "dwell" at the dialysis clinic to help increase blood flow during dialysis. The motion of the "infusion" of TPA is expected to be more effective than a "dwell" that sits still. Also, there is more TPA used during "infusion" than during the "dwell".

Once the catheter is functioning, the patient goes home as usual and follow-up is done by phone after the next dialysis session, at 30 days and at 60 days. Follow-up is done to check for flow rates during dialysis and to check for any problems related to the catheter treatment. Participation is complete after the 60-day follow-up phone call.