Therapeutic evaluation of catheter-directed thrombolysis for the treatment of acute arterial ischemia of lower extremities

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effect and safety of catheter-directed thrombolysis in treating acute arterial ischemia of lower extremities. Methods: From Jan. 1, 2008 to Dec. 31, 2009, a total of 56 patients with acute arterial ischemia of lower extremities, who were encountered at the affiliated Renji hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University, received catheter-directed thrombolysis treatment with urokinase. The therapeutic effect, safety and complications were observed and analyzed. Results: Of the total 56 cases, complete cure was obtained in 10 (17.8%), effective response in 38 (67.9%) and valueless in 8 (14.3%) with an overall effectiveness of 85.7%. Complications occurred in 11 cases (19.6%). The complications happened in six cases (10.7%) were directly related to the catheter-directed thrombolysis, which included hematoma at puncture site (n = 5, 8.9%) and bleeding due to the rupture of cerebrovascular malformation (n = 1, 1.7%). Conclusion: Catheter-directed thrombolysis is a safe and effective treatment for the acute arterial ischemia of lower extremities.