Thrombolysis
Thrombolysis
Kenneth W. Chin (M.D., F.A.C.R.) gives expert video advice on: What does the equipment that is used for thrombolysis look like?; What are the benefits and risks of thrombolysis? and more...
What can I expect during thrombolysis?
During a catheter-directed thrombolytic procedure, you can expect to be at bed rest during that period of time. This can be one of the more difficult aspects of the procedure. If you have a bad back, or back pain, then, you will be discussing with your doctor the possibility of getting some pain medications to make that portion of the procedure more tolerable. We need you to lie still during the course of the procedure so that the catheters that are placed will function properly and will not be bent or closed down.
What can I expect after thrombolysis?
After thrombolytic therapy, if it is successful, you can expect to return to normal activities within a day or two, but we usually request that you stay at bed rest after the procedure for at least 24 hours.
How does thrombolysis work?
Thrombolysis works on the basis of medications that are given to enhance your body's ability to break down blood clot. A clot that has formed will break down as long as the body is not building up blood clot faster than you're breaking it down. Catheter directed thrombolysis applies this medication directly and strategically to the blood clot that is blocking the blood vessel that is causing your symptom.
What does the equipment that is used for thrombolysis look like?
The equipment that is used for thrombolysis involves thin plastic tubing or catheters that are made to allow delivery of the thrombolytic medication directly to the entire length of the blood clot that is closing down the blood vessel that is causing your problem.
What are the benefits and risks of thrombolysis?
After a successful thrombolytic procedure, if blood flow is restored to the organ that was previously deprived of blood flow then you can have return of function, your symptoms may also completely disappear. There are occasions, however, where small particles or small porses of the blood clot may travel a little more into the organs or extremity that was initially involved - that's what we call distillambulization - that can cause, usually, temporary increase in pain. But, usually, with continued thrombolytic infusion those symptoms should disappear.
