Treatment of acute deep venous thrombosis with fibrinolytic agents.

Both heparin and fibrinolytic agents carry a risk of bleeding. Because of their beneficial effects in restoring vessel patency, we prefer the use of fibrinolytic agents in patients with acute deep vein thrombosis unless there is some specific contraindication. With the treatment regimen we have outlined, the risk of bleeding is extremely low. We have found that the long-term results achieved with streptokinase therapy are excellent, and normal venous hemodynamics can be restored quickly and effectively.