HIGH-DOSE, SHORT-TERM LOCAL UROKINASE FOR CLEARING FEMORAL THROMBI BY VASODILATION AND THROMBOLYSIS

Intra-arterial infusion of urokinase in the day results in a sustained increase in femoral arterial blood flow which is dose- and preparation-related. This vasodilation is separable from the fibrinolytic activity of urokinase since the latter but not the former is attenuated by inhibition of plasminogen activation. Intra-arterial infusion of urokinase induces a local fibrinolytic state which is more effective than systemic administration in achieving thrombolysis. Similar doses are required for vasodilation and local fibrinolysis-thrombolysis, suggesting the clinical use of intra-arterial urokinase in thrombotic occlusions of the femoral artery.