Is initial success of thrombolytic therapy with rt-PA in patients with lower limb ischemia durable?
Geier B; Mumme A; Kster O; Marpe B; Hummel T; Asciutto G Klinik für Gefässchirurgie, St. Josef-Hospital, Klinikum der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany. Bruno.Geier@rub.de BACKGROUND: Catheter-directed intraarterial thrombolytic therapy with rt-PA has been established as an alternative to surgery in selected patients with lower limb ischemia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate its long-term results and to try to identify patient variables influencing outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The results of thrombolytic treatment for acute or subacute lower limb ischemia in 82 patients (51 male, 31 female) were retrospectively analysed. Clinical data (time of symptoms onset, clinical stage, type of affected vessel, anatomical localisation) as well as comorbidities were recorded. The success rate of thrombolysis as well as the incidence of adverse events was evaluated. Patients with initial success were followed up after a median of 52,5 months. RESULTS: Thrombolytic therapy was successful in
