OBJECTIVE: We wanted to evaluate the feasibility of catheter-directed thrombolysis with a continuous infusion of low-dose urokinase for treating non-acute (less than 14 days) deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical data of 110 patients who were treated by catheter-directed thrombolysis with a continuous infusion of low-dose urokinase for lower extremity deep venous thrombosis was analysed. Adjunctive angioplasty or/and stenting was performed for the residual stenosis. Venous recanalization was graded by pre- and post-treatment venography. Follow-up was performed by clinical evaluation and Doppler ultrasound. RESULTS: A total of 112 limbs with deep venous thrombosis with a mean symptom duration of 22.7 days (range: 15-38 days) were treated with a urokinase infusion (mean: 3.5 million IU) for a mean of 196 hours. After thrombolysis, stent placement was performed in 25 iliac vein lesions and percutaneous angioplasty (PTA) alone was done in five iliac veins. Clinically significant recanalization was achieved in 81% (90 of 112) of the treated limbs; complete recanalization was achieved in 28% (31 of 112) and partial recanalization was achieved in 53% (59 of 112). Minor bleeding occurred in 14 (13%) patients, but none of the patients suffered from major bleeding or symptomatic pulmonary embolism. During follow-up (mean: 15.2 months, range: 3-24 months), the veins were patent in 74 (67%) limbs. Thirty seven limbs (32%) showed progression of the stenosis with luminal narrowing more than 50%, including three with rethrombosis, while one revealed an asymptomatic iliac vein occlusion; 25 limbs (22%) developed mild post-thrombotic syndrome, and none had severe post-thrombotic syndrome. Valvular reflux occurred in 24 (21%) limbs. CONCLUSION: Catheter-directed thrombolysis with a continuous infusion of low-dose urokinase combined with adjunctive iliac vein stenting is safe and effective for removal of the clot burden and for restoration of the venous flow in patients with non-acute lower extremity deep venous thrombosis.
Adult ; Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon ; *Catheterization, Peripheral ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Fibrinolytic Agents/*administration & dosage ; Humans ; *Infusion Pumps ; Infusions, Intravenous ; Leg/*blood supply ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phlebography ; *Thrombolytic Therapy/methods ; Ultrasonography, Doppler ; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator/*administration & dosage ; Vascular Patency ; Venous Thrombosis/*drug therapy/radiography/ultrasonography

Volume loss caused by aging process, diseases, trauma and surgical treatments, could lead to facial depressions, profoundly affecting appearance. Injectable fillers could help to correct this type of disfigurements and are preferred by plastic surgeons and patients due to their quality of minimal invasiveness and better delicateness. Among these fillers, collagen stimulators such as poly-L-lactic acid(PLLA) and polycaprolactone(PCL) are biodegradable synthetic polymers that can stimulate collagen formation and thus gradually restore tissue volume. These polymers have been used worldwide to treat facial aging changes and human immunodeficiency virus-associated facial fat lipoatrophy, demonstrating ideal results in volume enhancement and facial rejuvenation. The progress and clinical applications of compound injectables based on biodegradable collagen stimulators are summarized.

Volume loss caused by aging process, diseases, trauma and surgical treatments, could lead to facial depressions, profoundly affecting appearance. Injectable fillers could help to correct this type of disfigurements and are preferred by plastic surgeons and patients due to their quality of minimal invasiveness and better delicateness. Among these fillers, collagen stimulators such as poly-L-lactic acid(PLLA) and polycaprolactone(PCL) are biodegradable synthetic polymers that can stimulate collagen formation and thus gradually restore tissue volume. These polymers have been used worldwide to treat facial aging changes and human immunodeficiency virus-associated facial fat lipoatrophy, demonstrating ideal results in volume enhancement and facial rejuvenation. The progress and clinical applications of compound injectables based on biodegradable collagen stimulators are summarized.