Iliac artery occlusion: management with intrathrombus streptokinase infusion and angioplasty.

Abstract

Chronic and acute unilateral iliac artery occlusions were successfully treated in 7 of 8 patients using low-dose intrathrombus streptokinase infusions ranging from 6 to 43 hours in combination with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. Angioplasty of an underlying stenosis was performed as soon as clot lysis was maximal and an underlying stenosis was demonstrated. Long-term follow-up to date has been excellent. This approach to unilateral iliac occlusion appears to be safer than previously reported angioplasty of iliac artery occlusion.