Results of a Prospective Randomized Trial Evaluating Surgery Versus Thrombolysis for Ischemia of the Lower Extremity The STILE Trial

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate intra-arterial thrombolytic therapy as part of a treatment strategy for patients requiring revascularization for lower limb ischemia caused by nonembolic arterial and graft occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with native arterial or bypass graft occlusion were randomized prospectively to either optimal surgical procedure or intra-arterial, catheter-directed thrombolysis with recombinant tissue …