Local intraarterial thrombolysis in vertebrobasilar thromboembolic disease.

Abstract

The poor prognosis of basilar artery occlusion is well known. Systemic anticoagulation rarely prevents a lethal outcome. A new therapeutic approach involves selective perfusion of streptokinase through the vertebrobasilar artery via a coaxial catheter system. Three of five reported cases demonstrated successful vascular recanalization with clinical improvement.