Peripheral arterial thrombolytic therapy

The management of the patient with an acute arterial occlusion or pulmonary embolus presents many challenges. Thrombolytic therapy offers a treatment option that was not available in the past. We now have several nonsurgical options for treating patients with both peripheral arterial and pulmonary arterial occlusions. There are choices as to the appropriate drug as well as the route, dose, and length of administration. The work underway is aimed at refining technique. Studies that are ongoing now focus on which drug and mode of delivery benefits certain groups of patients. Although each clinical situation is unique, the guidelines to be established through further investigations will aid clinicians in selecting the appropriate therapeutic modality.