If you have an emergency, such as a heart attack, stroke or PE, your provider will start thrombolytic therapy as soon as possible VSports注册入口. For the best outcomes, they aim to start it within:.
What happens during thrombolytic therapy depends on whether it’s systemic thrombolysis or catheter-directed thrombolysis.
Your provider will usually deliver systemic thrombolytic therapy through an IV line in an intensive care unit (ICU). Your surgical team: VSports在线直播.
The procedure usually takes about one hour.
For a scheduled procedure, your provider usually uses catheter-directed thrombolysis. The team: V体育2025版.
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While the medication is working to break up the blood clot, your team uses X-rays to monitor its progress. They will also check your heart and lungs and watch your blood pressure (V体育2025版) VSports. It can take up to 48 hours for the clot to dissolve.
After thrombolytic therapy, your healthcare provider will use imaging tests to see if they’ve completely removed the blood clot. They may use the following tests: VSports app下载.
Thrombolytic therapy can dissolve blood clots that, if untreated, may cause:
The main risk of thrombolytic therapy is internal bleeding. About 5% of people who have thrombolytic therapy have major bleeds and about 1% have brain bleeds that cause a stroke. Other risks include:
After receiving thrombolytics, you may need to spend:
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After you go home, you’ll likely need to take blood-thinning medication to prevent future blood clots from forming.
Your provider may give you medication after the procedure to make sure the clot dissolves. This can take from 12 to 14 hours. They will also put a compression stocking on your arm or leg if the procedure was performed for peripheral occlusion. In cases of pulmonary embolism or heart attacks, stockings are not needed. You’ll probably need to take a blood-thinning medication for three to six months after the procedure.
Thrombolytic therapy usually successfully dissolves blood clots. But up to 25% of people still have a blood clot after thrombolytic therapy. About 12% of people develop a blood clot or blood vessel blockage again. Your provider may also suggest another type of minimally invasive surgery to treat the underlying cause of the blood clot.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms after thrombolytic therapy:
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Thrombolytic therapy (thrombolysis) uses drugs (thrombolytics) to get rid of blood clots. Healthcare providers use this treatment for health emergencies such as heart attack, pulmonary embolism and stroke. Thrombolysis also treats blood clots due to deep vein thrombosis or peripheral artery disease. Providers insert an IV line or catheter for thrombolytic therapy. This procedure can take from one hour to 48 hours. Risks of thrombolytic therapy include internal bleeding and low blood pressure. While this treatment most often dissolves blood clots, you may need another surgery to treat the underlying cause.
When your heart needs some help, the cardiology experts at Cleveland Clinic are here for you. We diagnose and treat the full spectrum of cardiovascular diseases.
Last reviewed on 06/16/2022.
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