Alfimeprase for the treatment of acute peripheral arterial occlusion

Abstract

Background: Catheter-directed thrombolysis for the management of acute peripheral arterial occlusion emerged as a viable treatment option in the 1990s. It offers a less invasive approach than traditional open surgery for correcting acute limb ischemia. Nonetheless, thrombolysis is plagued by a relatively high rate of bleeding complications as well as long infusion times. Objective: To review the clinical experience with alfimeprase, a new thrombolytic agent. Methods: All published data on alfimeprase were reviewed. Review articles, press releases and web-based data were also included. Results/conclusions: Alfimeprase is a novel agent with a unique mechanism of action compared with currently available thrombolytic agents. It is a direct-acting fibrinolytic agent that does not require activation of plasminogen. This mechanism may potentially reduce the number of bleeding complications. Current clinical data are limited, but ongoing clinical trials may demonstrate that this compelling agent represents a clinical advance.

Keywords::

• acute limb ischemia
• alfimeprase
• peripheral arterial disease
• thrombolysis