Intravenous streptokinase for thrombolysis of occluded arteriovenous access. Its use in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Thrombosis of arteriovenous access is a major cause of morbidity in the patient population undergoing hemodialysis. This investigation utilized the technique of infusing streptokinase directly into the afferent limb of an occluded graft or fistula to restore patency. A total of seven patients was studied, one patient on two separate occasions nine months apart. Total clot lysis was observed in five of eight infusions. Partial clot lysis was seen in two of eight infusions, although one of these patients required thrombectomy to ensure persistent functioning of the fistula. One of the eight episodes was unsuccessful. A postinfusion fistulogram was performed on seven of eight occasions and demonstrated partial clot lysis in two patients or a stenotic lesion requiring surgical revision in two other cases. In conclusion, streptokinase infusion into the thrombosed vascular access appears to be a safe and efficacious technique for this patient population.