Method of enhancing catheter patency using a citrate salt catheter lock solution

摘要

This invention relates to an infusion device for a catheter lock solution, to a method of enhancing the patency of catheters in animals and to a catheter lock solution. The device includes a syringe ( 34 ) containing a lock solution comprising a citrate salt. The method for enhancing the patency of catheters includes infusing a lumen ( 14, 16 ) of an indwelling catheter ( 10 ) with a lock solution comprising a citrate salt. In one aspect of the invention, the catheter lock solution includes a citrate salt and a viscosifying agent. The lock solution is prepared to have sufficient viscosity and density to remain in the lumen for a desired amount of time.