[Treatment of arterial occlusions of the lower extremities using 2-stage local application of urokinase].

We report the results of a 2-phase urokinase protocol for treatment of 28 arterial occlusions of the lower extremities. 26 patients, aged 43-86, with up to 6 weeks old occlusions were treated. In Phase I (average duration 2.7 h) the urokinase solution was injected in intervals directly into the occlusion-material via a F-5 catheter (120,000 U/h). In the following phase II (average duration 26.1 h) 100,000 U/h were given as a continuous arterial infusion and a full heparin regimen was started. In 86% of the treatments there was an improvement as shown by angiography. 75% of the patients could be released from the hospital without a further surgical revascularisation. Alterations of the systemic coagulation-system and bleeding-complications at the puncture site must be expected.