Local fibrinolysis for the treatment of massive pulmonary embolism: Efficacy of streptokinase infusion through pulmonary arterial catheter

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1985

Abstract

Streptokinase therapy for the treatment of massive pulmonary embolism is superior to heparin therapy, although infusion of the recommended doses through a peripheral vein carries a substantial risk of hemorrhagic complications. By infusing low doses of this fibrinolytic agent through a pulmonary catheter in proximity to the embolic obstruction, rapid resolution of the pulmonary embolism can be accomplished. The induction of a local fibrinolytic state carries less risk of hemorrhagic complications than conventional streptokinase therapy. Further clinical studies are needed; however, this method of treatment of potentially fatal massive pulmonary embolism offers an attractive alternate to utilization of a fibrinolytic agent through a peripheral vein. The reduced risk of hemorrhagic complications could broaden its indications for therapy for pulmonary embolism to include situations in which embolic pulmonary obstruction has a high incidence of occurrence, that is, the postoperative state or the post-traumatic state.

Publication Title

Journal of the American Osteopathic Association

Volume

85

Issue

2

First Page

97

Last Page

101

Comments

This article was published in Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, Volume 85, Issue 2, Pages 97-101.

The published version is available at https://jaoa.org/article.aspx.

Copyright © 1985.

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