ABSTRACT
The use of catheter-directed thrombolysis is a proven treatment for arterial ischemia,
deep vein thrombosis, and severe pulmonary embolism. For arterial ischemia, thrombolysis
has resulted in improved amputation-free survival and fewer subsequent surgeries to
reestablish blood flow to the ischemic limb. The management of patients with thromboembolic
diseases is complex, and the multiple thrombolytic drugs available to choose from
compound this complexity. Although some believe the available thrombolytic agents
are interchangeable, real biochemical differences exist that may prove otherwise.
This article describes these pharmacologic differences and how they may affect the
clinical practice of catheter-directed thrombolysis.
KEYWORDS
Thrombolysis - catheter-directed thrombolysis - pharmacology - bleeding complications
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James L SwischukM.D.
Department of Radiology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria
1 Illini Drive, Peoria, IL 61605