Clot Busting – Catheter Directed Thrombolysis
Your body eventually liquifies the blood clot with time. But in the meantime, it could destroy the inside of your vein. Doctors may prescribe a clot-busting medicine called a thrombolytic agent if the following cases:
- Presence of big clots causing pain, swelling, and problems with circulation.
- Patients that are at high risk for a pulmonary embolism.
- People with Deep Venous Thrombosis in the arm rather than the leg.
This process quickly degrades the clot and enhances blood flow. It can also protect the valves in that vein. However, it has more risks than taking blood thinners. [4] People that use clot busting are more susceptible to bleeding problems and stroke. This process should be done in the hospital under proper supervision.
With the help of an X-ray, a specialist will insert a thin tube called a catheter into your vein and place the tip of it into your deep venous thrombosis. Then, the medications are sent directly into the clot through the catheter.
If your vein is not wide enough, they may widen it to help stop future blockages by doing a balloon angioplasty [5] or placing a stent.