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Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Published on: January 18, 2018
Can intraoperative thrombolytic therapy assist with the management of acute limb ischemia?
Anthony J Comerota1, Ramandeep Sidhu
1Jobst Vascular Center, The Toledo Hospital, Toledo, OH 43606, USA. marilyn.gravett@promedica.org
Catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy is a well-accepted treatment modality for acute arterial and graft occlusion, but intraoperative use of plasminogen activators as an adjunct to operative thrombectomy or thromboembolectomy is frequently overlooked by vascular surgeons. Evidence exists that intraoperative intraarterial infusion of lytic agents is safe and is accompanied by breakdown of distal thrombus. This article describes the rationale for intraoperative thrombolysis, reviews the evidence supporting its use, and suggests several technical approaches to incorporating lytic therapy intraoperatively.
Catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy is a well-accepted treatment modality for acute arterial and graft occlusion, but intraoperative use of plasminogen activators as an adjunct to operative thrombectomy or thromboembolectomy is frequently overlooked by vascular surgeons. Evidence exists that intraoperative intraarterial infusion of lytic agents is safe and is accompanied by breakdown of distal thrombus. This article describes the rationale for intraoperative thrombolysis, reviews the evidence supporting its use, and suggests several technical approaches to incorporating lytic therapy intraoperatively.
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