Fibrinolytic therapy for hemothorax and empyema was introduced into clinical practice over
50 years ago and remains part of the therapeutic armamentarium today. The use of
fibrinolysins in this situation is predicated on the concept that intrapleural organization and
fibrosis can be prevented by augmentation of intrapleural fibrinolytic activity. A number of
plasminogen activators have been used to effect intrapleural fibrinolysis, including
streptokinase, urokinase, and tissue plasminogen activator. All these agents increase …