Latex D-dimer signal in in situ femoral vein thrombus in swine and effect of minidose exogenous tissue plasminogen activator bolus.

Study Objectives: We created in situ femoral vein thrombi in swine to investigate the response of the latex d-dimer signal to acute in situ venous thrombosis, and to determine the minimum dose of exogenous bolus tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) required to significantly elevate the d-dimer signal.

Study Design: We studied seven swine (20 to 22 kg) under pentobarbital anesthesia. A 6-cm segment of the proximal femoral vein was surgically exposed and briefly ligated.