Can the results of treatment of deep venous thrombosis be improved by combining surgical thrombectomy with regional fibrinolysis?

A new mode of treatment of extensive acute and subacute deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities is introduced. For this purpose the beneficial effects of surgical thrombectomy and of thrombolysis with streptokinase are combined during the course of a single surgical intervention. Rapid-flow regional perfusion is the vehicle used for administration of streptokinase and probably represents the third arm of this therapeutic approach by adding a hemodynamic wash-out effect. Because the thrombolytic agent is rinsed out of the circuit at the end of regional perfusion the usual side effects and contra-indications of this drug are avoided. Early and late results of this treatment are assessed clinically and with repeat venograms in a group of 9 patients. Highly satisfactory results were obtained in 6 patients with complete anatomical and functional restoration of deep veins along their entire length in three cases. It is felt that continued use of this method is warranted and that the results of treatment of deep venous thrombosis can thus be improved.