THROMBOLYSIS WITH IV RECOMBINANT HUMAN TISSUE-TYPE PLASMINOGEN-ACTIVATOR IN PATIENTS WITH BYPASS GRAFT OCCLUSION - A GOOD ADJUNCTIVE THERAPEUTIC MODE (PRELIMINARY AND CASE-REPORTS)

Background and methods. The authors report their experience with throm bolytic therapy in seven cases of graft thrombosis managed successfull y with low-dose I.V. rt-TPA. In six patients the cause was an anatomic al one and so, after the successful lysis, there was enough time to co nfirm a correct diagnosis and plan the ''right'' and ''less extensive' ' surgical procedure, obviating it in one case with a ''functional'' c ause of thrombosis. Results. No complication directly attributable to rt-TPA infusion occurred, and no systemic fibrinogenolysis was registe red in any cases. Judging from this experience, I.V. rt-TPA appears sa fe and effective in patients with graft thrombosis, proving to be a go od adjunctive therapeutic mode. Conclusions. Further studies are neede d do delineate more clearly safe indication and the validity of this m ethod.