Intra-arterial fibrinolysis for the management of acute ischemia on a below-knee amputation stump. Case report

Abstract

Preservation of the knee joint has enormous advantages in terms of mobility and rehabilitation of an amputee. Any cause of breakdown requiring revision to an above-knee amputation is a major setback because it reduces the patient's rehabilitative potential. We report a case of intra-arterial thrombolysis use to save a below-knee amputation stump with acute ischemia. A 56-year-old man who sought the emergency department with 1-day history of acute pain on his right below-knee stump. The angiography confirmed popliteal artery occlusion. Pharmacomechanical thrombectomy, with Aspirex (rotational catheter to restore blood flow in occluded vessel, by removing occlusion material from the vessel) and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, was performed. After 9 years of follow-up the patient remained asymptomatic, capable of independent ambulation with prosthetic limb. Intra-arterial fibrinolysis seems to be a safe and effective treatment for cases of acutely ischemic amputation stump.