Effects of fibrinolytic therapy in acute ischemia of the lower limbs

: In this paper the Authors illustrate their experience of loco-regional fibrinolytic medical treatment in patients suffering from acute thrombotic-type ischemia of the lower limbs. The clinical, ultrasonographic and angiographic criteria leading to the choice of this form of treatment rather than surgery are examined. The Authors outline the reasons which led them to give preference to the use of plasminogen tissue activators (rt-PA) rather than other fibrinolytic agents; the results obtained are evaluated not only in terms of immediate permeability but also in relation to the additional procedures required to ensure a correct therapeutic iter. In conclusion, the paper underlines the need to assess the indications for this type of therapy with great care since "washing" the distal vascular bed may be decisive for successful treatment even in the event of possible future surgery.