Initial results of catheter-directed ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis for thromboembolic obstructions of the aortofemoral arteries: a feasibility study.

Purpose: This article reports the 30-day technical and clinical outcome of ultrasound (US)-accelerated thrombolysis in patients with aortofemoral arterial thromboembolic obstructions.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from December 2008 to December 2009 of patients who were treated with US-accelerated thrombolysis for thromboembolic obstructions of aortofemoral arteries or bypasses. Urokinase was infused in a dosage of 100,000 IU per hour. Twice daily, a control angiography was performed. Thirty-day follow-up consisted of duplex scanning, combined with magnetic resonance angiography.

Results: The study included 21 consecutive patients (20 men; median age, 66 (range, 52-80) years) with 24% artery versus 76% bypass occlusions. Median duration of symptoms was 11 (range, 7-140) days. Median occlusion length was 32 (range, 6-80) cm. In 20 patients (95%), an US-accelerated thrombolysis catheter could be successfully placed. In one patient, placement of an US-accelerated thrombolysis catheter was technically not feasible, and therefore a standard catheter was placed. Median thrombolysis time was 26.5 (range, 8.5-72) hours. Complete thrombolysis (>95% lysis of thrombus) was achieved in 20 patients; in 9 patients within 24 hours. Median ankle-brachial index (ABI) increased from 0.28 (range, 0-0.85) to 0.91 (range, 0.58-1.35). One patient had a thromboembolic complication and needed surgical intervention. No hemorrhagic complications, and no deaths occurred. At 30-day follow-up, 17 of 21 patients (81%) had a patent artery or bypass.

Conclusions: This feasibility study showed a high technical success rate of US-accelerated thrombolysis for aortofemoral arterial obstructions. US-accelerated thrombolysis led to complete lysis within 24 hours in almost half of patients, with a low 30-day major complication rate.