When life threatening blood clots form in the arteries of the heart (known as a myocardial infarction or “heart attack,”) clot-busting medications can be used to help dissolve them. This limits damage to the heart muscle and helps restore adequate blood flow to the heart. These drugs can be delivered by an intravenous (IV) infusion into the arm, or via a catheter placed directly into the area of the clot. A procedure to dissolve or remove a clot (thrombus) is called thrombectomy.
IV- or catheter-directed thrombectomy is also used to treat blood clots that occur in other arteries, most typically those in the legs. These clots are dangerous because they can dislodge and travel to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, where they interfere with breathing. Untreated, they can also impair circulation in the affected area.
Procedure:
IV Therapy
IV therapy through a vein in the arm circulates medication throughout the body. The patient remains in the hospital and is carefully monitored during the treatment period, which ranges from several hours to several days. Blood studies are performed to show when blood clotting levels return to normal. The IV is then removed.
Catheter-Directed Therapy
This procedure is performed in the catheterization lab where physicians are guided by special X-ray images. The physician inserts a thin tube, called a catheter, through a blood vessel in the leg. The catheter is threaded to the clot and a clot-busting drug is delivered directly to it. If the vessel appears to be narrowed, the procedure may be followed by angioplasty and stent placement to widen it and help prevent future blockages. In addition, catheters can be placed into the clot to aspirate (remove) the clot out of the artery.
Specialists:
Gary Ledley, M.D.
Peter Kurnik, M.D.
Related Procedures:
Angioplasty and Stenting
The information on these pages is provided for general information only and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for consultation with a physician or healthcare professional. If you have specific questions or concerns about your health, you should consult your healthcare professional.
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