LOCAL UROKINASE IN ARTERIAL THROMBOEMBOLISM.

Selective intra-arterial urokinase (UK) is effective in treating recent arterial thromboembolism. However, usually only partials lysis is achieved and this treatment seems less effective than intravenous streptokinase. At a dose of 37,500 UCTA/hour it does not produce systemic fibrinolysis. This protocol substantially reduces the risk of systemic bleeding and embolism and extends its applicability to operative patients. The combination of surgery and UK seems particularly promising in patients with atherosclerotic arterial thrombosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]