CLINICAL-APPLICATIONS OF THROMBOLYTIC THERAPY FOR ARTERIAL AND GRAFT OCCLUSION

Catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy has become an important part of the treatment of patients with acute arterial and graft occlusion. Th e underlying principle is the activation of plasminogen-bound fibrin w ithin the thrombus. Guidewire passage has been found to be a good pred ictor of success of catheter-directed thrombolysis. The underlying dis ease process leading to thrombosis should be accurately identified and promptly corrected to reduce the probability of recurrent occlusion. Patient selection, basic technical considerations, overall results, an d an overview of prospective randomized studies are reviewed in this s ummary of catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy.