Intra-arterial superselective thrombolytic therapy for acute cerebral infarction

Objective To observe the efficacy and complication of intra-arterial superselectivethrombolysis using urokinase for acute ischemic stroke. Methods 46 patients of acute ischemic stroke within 6h from onset were treated by intra-arterial superselective thrombolytic therapy using urokinase. Results Complete recanalization just after thrombolysis were observed in 24 of the 46 patients(15. 2%), no recanalization in 15 of the 46 patients (32. 6%), and cerebral hemorrhages occurred in 6 patients after thrombolysis. The clinical outcome 3 months after thrombolysis was evaluated according to Glasgow outcome scale. 22 patients were good recovery, 5 patients were moderate disability, 5 patients were severe disability, 6 patients were vegetative state, and 8 patients died. 20 of the 31 (64. 5%) patients of complete/partial recanalization were good recovery or moderate disability, only 4 of the 15 (26. 7%) patients of no recanalization were good recovery or moderate disability. Conclusion Intra-arterial superselective thrombolysis can apparently improve the rate of recanalization and clinical outcome. It is an effective and relatively safe therapy in treatment of acute ischemic stroke.