Percutaneous catheter thrombus aspiration for acute or subacute arterial occlusion of the legs: how much thrombolysis is needed?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the role of a combined percutaneous endovascular approach including thrombus aspiration, catheter thrombolysis, and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) to treat acute and subacute occlusions of native leg arteries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of this catheter therapy in 89 consecutive patients (93 legs) in a single centre.

RESULTS

Treatment was initially successful in 90% of legs. Mortality at 30 days was 8%, and at 12 months 19%. Amputation-free survival at 12 months was 78%. Aspiration alone was sufficient in 31% of cases, urokinase (mean dose 112 500+/-55 900 IU) was used in 22%, PTA was added in 69%. There was no major bleeding except for one false aneurysm treated by ultrasound-guided compression. Secondary interventions within 12 months were required in 30% of cases (14 endovascular, 16 open surgical procedures).

CONCLUSIONS

Catheter thrombus aspiration in combination with thrombolysis and/or PTA is highly effective. Only in a minority of patients are thrombolytics in modest doses necessary, and serious bleeding complications are rare. We recommend this procedure as first-line treatment for acute or subacute infrainguinal arterial occlusions.