Selective intra-arterial streptokinase therapy in the immediate postoperative period.

We report successful lysis of acute arterial calf thrombosis by intra-arterial streptokinase infusion seven hours after retroperitoneal dissection and repair of an ipsilateral common femoral artery laceration. No systemic effects or complications developed. Local intra-arterial thrombolytic therapy is more effective and safer than intravenous systemic therapy and may now be considered in the immediate postoperative period, providing the drug is delivered downstream from the operative site.