Peripheral thrombolysis: state of the art

Peripheral thrombolysis has become established in the last decade as an alternative method of treatment for acute limb ischaemia. New techniques of accelerated thrombolysis have expanded the indications to include almost all affected patients. Attention to detail and avoidance of known pitfalls, together with close cooperation between vascular surgeon and radiologist, ensure optimum results with minimum complications. A modern integrated lysis programme may vary from initial thrombolytic treatment for all patients with acute limb ischaemia to a selective policy of surgery and thrombolysis depending on the aetiology and severity of ischemia.