Abstract
From May 1958 to May 1987, 428 upper extremities were replanted, with an overall survival
rate of 87.4 percent. With the aim of increasing the survival rate a new method was
tried. Unlike conventional continuous intravenous infusion, a Teflon catheter (28
gauge) was inserted into the proximal main artery of the anastomosed artery, and a
daily dose of 80 ml comprising 240,000 U of urokinase, 40 μg of prostaglandin E,,
10,000 U (maximum) of heparin, and low molecular weight dextran was administered by
means of continuous infusion for the 10 consecutive days, during which arterial thrombosis
is likely to occur.
Thirteen cases (replantations and damaged digital arteries) survived without any re-operation
for arterial thrombus. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.025) in platelet count, fibrinogen, and AT III preoperatively and three days
postoperatively. There were also statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, and clotting time between
pre-operative measurements and those taken four and 15 hr postoperative, but those
data remained within normal range. No abnormalities were present in the arteries through
which the catheter was inserted, as validated by postoperative digital subtraction
angiography.
