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Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Prehospital Thrombolysis: A Manual from Berlin
Published on: November 27, 2013
Late thrombolysis with intracoronary streptokinase after myocardial infarction
Insights
This study shows that streptokinase can successfully reopen blocked coronary bypass grafts, even a month after occlusion. Repeated daily infusions over several days are safe and effective for improving symptoms after myocardial infarction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Coronary artery disease often necessitates coronary bypass grafting (CABG).
- Graft occlusion can lead to myocardial infarction (MI).
Observation:
- A patient experienced MI four years post-CABG.
- Catheterization revealed a posterior descending graft occluded by a clot one month after MI.
Findings:
- Three daily infusions of streptokinase achieved graft recanalization.
- The patient demonstrated significant symptomatic improvement after treatment.
- Successful recanalization is possible up to one month post-occlusion.
Implications:
- Repeated streptokinase infusions are safe and effective for late graft recanalization.
- This approach offers a potential treatment for graft occlusion after CABG.
- Timely intervention with thrombolysis may improve outcomes in graft failure.
Abstract:
This patient had a myocardial infarction 4 years after coronary bypass grafting. Catheterization 1 month later revealed occlusion of the graft to the posterior descending by what appeared to be a clot. On each of 3 successive days, infusion of streptokinase accomplished recanalization of the graft. After the third treatment, he showed marked symptomatic improvement. Recanalization may be successful as late as 1 month after occlusion and repeated infusions of streptokinase over a period of days can be carried out safely and without loss of effectiveness.
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