Why is this procedure done?
Your doctor may use a clot dissolving drug to try to open up the blood vessel in the heart or brain if you are having a heart attack or stroke. These drugs are also called thrombolytics. ‚
A heart attack is when the blood flow to part of your heart muscle is blocked. That part of your heart does not get enough oxygen and starts to die. The blockage can be from a blood clot in one of the blood vessels that give blood flow to your heart. ‚
A stroke is when the blood flow to part of your brain stops and the brain cells start to die. This can be from a blood clot in a blood vessel in the brain. ‚
What will the results be?
The clot dissolving drug may help to open up the blocked blood vessel. This will allow better blood flow to your heart or brain. Better blood flow means your heart or brain can get more oxygen. Then you may have fewer long term problems from your heart attack or stroke. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are: Coumadin, Xarelto, Heparin, Lovenox, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. Talk to your doctor about them.
What happens during the procedure?
- For these drugs to work well, they must be given as soon as possible after your signs first start. Most often, if you are having a heart attack, the clot busting drug will need to be given in the first 8 to 12 hours. For a stroke, the drug is most often given in the first 3 hours. The sooner treatment starts, the better your chances for recovery.
- This drug may be given in one of 2 ways.
- The drug may be given through a regular I.V. This is often done in an emergency as it works quicker if the drug is given into your bloodstream.
- The drug may be given directly in the blood vessel near the blood clot using a tube called a catheter.
- The doctor will use your upper leg (groin), arm, or wrist to place the catheter. This area will be shaved, cleaned, and numbed. The doctors will use a needle to make a hole in the blood vessel. A small wire and the catheter will pass through the blood vessel until they reach the clot.
- The doctor will use x-rays to see where the wire and catheter are located. When the catheter is in the right spot, the wire will be removed. A dye is put in the catheter and into the blood vessels to be able to see them better. You may be asked to stay still and hold your breath for a few seconds.
- The clot busting drug is given through catheter. Sometimes, other procedures are also done to help open up the blood vessel or remove the clot.
- The catheter is taken out. Your doctor will cover your cut site with clean bandages.
- This procedure may take a few minutes to a few hours.
What happens after the procedure?
You will stay in the hospital for some time after having a clot busting drug. The amount of time you will stay is based on your condition. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Together you can make a plan for further care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Irregular heartbeat, stroke, or heart attack
- Blood clots or damage to the blood vessels
- Nerve injury
- Bruising or bleeding at the cut site
- Infection
- Buildup of air in the spaces of the lung and the chest (pneumothorax)
- Allergic reactions to drugs, dyes, or contrast agents
- Kidney problems
- Low blood pressure
Where can I learn more?
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Heart-attack/Pages/Treatment.aspx ‚
Society for Vascular Surgery ‚
https://www.vascularweb.org/vascularhealth/Pages/thrombolytic-therapy.aspx ‚
The Stroke Collaborative ‚
http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/ahaecc-public/@wcm/@hcm/@gwtg/documents/downloadable/ucm_431151.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚