RETROGRADE INTRAVENOUS PERFUSION AS LAST RESORT IN PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL OCCLUSIVE DISEASE AND THREATENING AMPUTATION

In 21 patients with critical ischemia and/or inflammation of the leg f acing possible amputation, retrograde intravenous perfusion (RVP) was used to administer fibrinolytics, vasodilators and antibiotics. Amputa tion was avoided in 15 patients. In 4 patients, RVP was interrupted du e to unsuitable veins for putting in cannulas. After introducing a 3-i n-1-Block (Winnie) for analgesia, 7 courses of treatment at least were reached before unbearable pain became a reason for stopping therapy. RVP should, therefore, be considered as the last resort in the treatme nt of critical ischemia and/or inflammation of the leg of patients fac ing possible amputation.