Abstract: 【Abstract】 Objectives To summarize the experience to treat acute thrombosis in arterio-venous graft by thrombolysis using urokinase. Methods Thrombolysis was used as the first step to treat thrombosis in arterio-venous graft by puncture into the graft near the arterial end and continuous infusion of urokinase. Results We observed 20 cases with acute thrombosis in arterio-venous graft, of whom the mean age was 61.42±13.30 yrs, 6 cases were males and 14 cases were females. The arterio-venous grafts were established for 1 month to 8 years, and the thrombosis was detected within 6 days. Thrombolysis was successful in 14 cases (70%), with the mean thrombolysis duration of 10.73±5.94 hrs and mean urokinase dose of 817,500±400,100 units. The successful rate was closely related to the status of the venous outflow. Conclusions Thrombolysis by local continuous infusion of urokinase is a simple, safe and effective method. It facilitates other intervention techniques, and avoids the complications from catheterization or graft reconstruction for vascular access. Therefore, this method may become the first choice for the management of thrombosis in arterio-venous graft.

Key words: Thrombolysis, Urokinase