Local thrombolysis in femoropopliteal occlusion: Early and late results

The early and late results of local thrombolysis with low-dose streptokinase followed by balloon dialatation in 64 patients with an occluded femoropopliteal artery are reviewed. The primary success rate was 77% for the native arteries; it was higher (80%) for short (<10 cm) as compared with long occlusion (40%) and for patients with claudication as compared with those with advanced ischemia (89% versus 48%). Eleven complications were observed in 10 patients, most frequently a local hematoma at the puncture site. Ascending thrombosis and absence of lysis or incomplete lysis were the main reasons for failure. The cumulative patency rate after 1 and 2 years follow-up was 87% and 82%, respectively.