What Are the Types of Thrombolytic Therapy?
Who Needs Thrombolytic Therapy?
Who Shouldn’t Go for Thrombolytic Therapy?
Factors to Consider for Thrombolytic Therapy
What Conditions Get Treated with Thrombolytic Therapy?
What Happens Before, During and After Thrombolytic Therapy?
What Are the Benefits of Thrombolytic Therapy?
What Are the Risks and Complications ?
Thrombolytic therapy is a medical treatment used to dissolve certain types of blood clots and thus improve blood flow. The therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
What Are the Types of Thrombolytic Therapy?
There are 3 main types of thrombolytic therapy, as follows:
- Systemic thrombolysis: An intravenous or IV line, which delivers medication inside the bloodstream. This therapy is often used as a type of emergency procedure for conditions including heart attacks, PE & strokes etc.
- Catheter-based thrombolysis: Herein, a long catheter is used for delivering medication directly to the clot. This therapy is often used as an elective procedure for treating DVT & PAD.
- Mechanical thrombectomy: Herein, a long catheter is inverted with a rotary or ultrasound device, a suction cup or a fluid-jet at the end that either breaks-up or sucks up the clot. This therapy is often used in conjunction with catheter-guided thrombolysis.
Who Needs Thrombolytic Therapy?
People who have had a heart attack or stroke may benefit from this therapy.
Who Shouldn’t Go for Thrombolytic Therapy?
People who have had bleeding in the brain or have active bleeding are not candidates for this therapy. This therapy should not be used on people who have recently had surgery, have bleeding disorders, or are pregnant.
Factors to Consider for Thrombolytic Therapy
The decision to use this therapy depends on several factors, including the location and severity of the clot, the patient’s age and health, and the likelihood of bleeding.
What Conditions Get Treated with Thrombolytic Therapy?
Clots in the arteries supplying blood to the heart or brain can be treated with this therapy.
What Happens Before, During and After Thrombolytic Therapy?
- Before thrombolytic therapy, your doctor will do a physical exam and order a blood test. You may also have a heart monitor placed on you. A blood clot is diagnosed with an imaging test such as an ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan.
- During thrombolytic therapy, you will be given a medicine called a thrombolytic through an IV. This medicine that’s injected straight inside the clot helps in dissolving it. It is given through an intravenous (IV) line. The IV line is inserted into a vein in the arm.
- After thrombolytic therapy, you will be monitored closely for any bleeding or other complications. You would be asked to stay at the medical center for some days. You may also be given blood-thinning medication for a period of time to help prevent new blood clots from forming.
What Are the Benefits of Thrombolytic Therapy?
It can quickly dissolve a clot and improve blood flow. This can help to prevent further damage to the heart or brain. So, benefits of this therapy include the following
- Improved blood flow
- Dissolved blood clots
- Helps prevent permanent damage to the heart or brain
What Are the Risks and Complications ?
Thrombolytic therapy is not without risks and complications! There are some risks and complications associated with this therapy. These include bleeding, stroke, and kidney damage. So, the risks & complications associated with this should be discussed with your doctor prior to the treatment.
Contact Dr. Arun
If you have been diagnosed with a blood clot, you may be wondering if you are a candidate for thrombolytic therapy. This treatment can dissolve blood clots and improve blood flow, but it is not right for everyone. Dr. Arun is a highly experienced vascular surgeon, who can help you determine if thrombolytic therapy is right for you. Dr. Arun will first review your medical history and perform a physical examination. He will then order tests to evaluate the clot and your overall health. After congregating the entire information, Dr. Arun will sit down with you to discuss your treatment options. If he feels that this therapy is right for you, he will develop a personalized or tailored treatment plan. If you are interested in learning more about this therapy and whether it is right for you, please contact Dr. Arun. He will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you make the best decision for your health.
