Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

The Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network Multi-Laboratory Model of Thromboembolic Stroke with Thrombolysis: TE-MCAo
Published on: December 19, 2025
Thrombolysis for acute arterial occlusion
1Service of Interventional Radiology, Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, sede Civico, Lugano, Switzerland. jos.vandenberg@eoc.ch
Introduction:
Acute leg ischemia is one of the most challenging and dangerous conditions in vascular surgical practice and carries a high risk of amputation and death when left untreated. This article provides an overview of the currently held opinions on the role of catheter-based thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute leg ischemia.
Methods:
A systematic review of literature from 1980 to 2009 was performed. The literature analyzed included randomized trials, large single-center case series, and review articles.
Results:
Three large randomized trials and 14 review articles were identified. Pharmacologic aspects and the results of thrombolytic therapy, as well as indications, contraindications, and complications are described.
Conclusions:
Catheter-directed thrombolysis can be considered a complementary and not a competing technology with surgical or percutaneous revascularization, with an acceptably low complication rate.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Clot Retraction and Fibrinolysis
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

