[Technique of selective, controlled retinal fibrinolysis in a model]

By microcatheterization of the ophthalmic artery it was possible to test a controlled retinal fibrinolysis in the rabbit. Heparin, tolazoline and urokinase were applied through the microcatheter. By continuous administration of highly diluted fluorescein (0.1%), on-line control of the therapeutic effects was available. Treatment was carried out in cycles of enforced perfusion. In 12 main vessel occlusions the rates of flow could nearly be normalized after mobilization of thrombi by combined emergency therapy. An average of 14 cycles of treatment was necessary. The time needed was 40-60 min. With this technique drug therapies of ocular circulation disturbances are testable and controlled emergency treatment of the eye begins to become feasible.