Thrombolysis of palmar and digital arterial thrombosis by intra-arterial Thrombolysin.

In nine patients, one with bilateral findings, impending gangrene of the hand due to thrombosis of the palmar arch or digital arteries did not respond to current surgical methods or to common nonsurgical measures and was treated by intra-arterial thrombolysin. The author's recommended diagnostic arteriography, direct surgical treatment, if indicated, and specific coagulation studies. Thrombolysin was given by perfusion at a rate of 100,000 U. per hour. Careful monitoring of the clotting process prevented any significant bleeding and excellent recovery occurred in eight hands and there was a good result in two.