[Medical treatment of arteriosclerosis obliterans]

The author gives an overview on former and recent ways of medical therapy in peripheral arterial occlusive disease. The importance of possible elimination of the risk factors is emphasized. The author summarizes the mechanism and clinical effects of drugs affecting vasodynamic as well as thrombolytic processes. The conclusion of the review indicates that although presently there is no ideal therapy for the disease, yet in a remarkable part of cases a marked clinical improvement and inhibition of the basic pathologic processes can be produced even by the available preventive and therapeutical methods.