Terapêutica trombolítica nas tromboses de próteses mecânicas / Trombolytic Therapy in Cardiac Metalic Prosthesis Thrombo

PURPOSE--To relate our experience with thrombolytic therapy in 8 patients with cardiac metal prosthesis complicated with thrombosis. METHODS--Eight patients with clinical and echocardiographic diagnosis of cardiac valvar prosthesis thrombosis were treated. RESULTS--The treatment efficacy was evaluated by clinical and echocardiographic improvement. The authors recognized improvement in all 8 patients. One case of hemorrhage was observed (coxo-femoral articulation). Late death were observed twice: 24 months after, sudden death and 30 months later by hemorrhagic stroke. CONCLUSION--The results indicated that thrombolytic therapy is best way to treat patients with cardiac valve thrombosis, instead of surgical treatment