Thrombosed dialysis grafts: efficacy of intrathrombic deposition of concentrated urokinase, clot maceration, and angioplasty

Abstract

Forty-one thrombosed polytetrafluoroethylene hemodialysis grafts in 26 patients were treated by a modified method of fibrinolytic therapy and transluminal angioplasty. The modifications included the use of highly concentrated urokinase, intrathrombic injection of urokinase into mechanically macerated thrombi, use of a crossed two-catheter technique, observation of the patient in the angiography suite during the entire procedure, and transluminal angioplasty to correct underlying stenosis immediately after partial or complete thrombolysis. Lysis was initially successful in 37 (90%) of 41 procedures. Successful treatment, defined as a functional graft for longer than 6 months without intervening surgery, was achieved in 16 (62%) of 26 patients. In comparison with previous transluminal or surgical regimens, this modified method permits marked acceleration of thrombolysis, immediate transluminal angioplasty, and sparing of potential future graft sites.