Catheter-lysis: indications and primary results.

Catheter-lysis--local low-dose fibrinolytic therapy--extends the indication to catheter-treatment. Occlusions longer than 10 cm younger than 3 months may be treated by this method. This treatment is primarily indicated for Fontaine stage III/IV occlusions. The complication of acute embolism or acute reocclusion during routine angioplasty can be treated satisfactorily by catheter-lysis. The primary result of low-dose fibrinolysis depends on the clinical stage, peripheral outflow, age and length of the occlusion.