Popliteal artery perforation during low dose intra-arterial streptokinase infusion

There has been a recent increase in the use of low dose intra-arterial streptokinase infusion for the management of patients with acute peripheral arterial occlusions. Though serious complications using this technique occur less frequently than when using systemic thrombolytic therapy, a case is reported where the catheter used to infuse streptokinase perforated the popliteal artery 36 hours after the infusion commenced. The use of softer arterial catheters and restriction of patient movement where possible may prevent the recurrence of this previously unreported hazard.