[Fibrinolysis with rt-PA in peripheral arterial occlusions]

First experiences using rt-PA for the local lysis of peripheral arterial occlusions have shown that it is a potent activator of the fibrinolytic system. 2 to 5 mg of rt-PA administered for 1 to 1 1/2 hours are sufficient to completely dissolve even long occlusions. With doses up to 20 mg over 2 hours no systemic bleeding was observed. With 50 mg given within 5 hours and with an infusion of 2.5 mg per hour for 48 hours there were two cases of systemic haemorrhaging entirely due to the fibrinolysis. No appreciable defects in the coagulation system and no other side effects were observed.