Thrombolysis with i.v. recombinant human tissue-type plasminogen activator in patients with bypass graft occlusion: a good adjunctive therapeutic mode (preliminary and case reports).

BACKGROUND AND METHODS

The authors report their experience with thrombolytic therapy in seven cases of graft thrombosis managed successfully with low-dose i.v. rt-TPA. In six patients the cause was an anatomical one and so, after the successful lysis, there was enough time to confirm a correct diagnosis and plan the "right" and "less extensive" surgical procedure, obviating it in one case with a "functional" cause of thrombosis.

RESULTS

No complication directly attributable to rt-TPA infusion occurred, and no systemic fibrinogenolysis was registered in any cases. Judging from this experience, i.v. rt-TPA appears safe and effective in patients with graft thrombosis, proving to be a good adjunctive therapeutic mode.

CONCLUSIONS

Further studies are needed do delineate more clearly safe indication and the validity of this method.