Process of breaking up and removing blood clots, during which fibrin is dissolved. This is a normal and ongoing process in the body. The principles of thrombolysis have been utilized therapeutically via administration of drugs that dissolve blood clots associated with disease (e.g., such as in a coronary artery during an acute myocardial infarction).
The dissolution of a blood cloth (thrombus) by the infusion of an enzyme, such as streptokinase, into the blood. It may be used in the treatment of phlebothrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
The breakdown of a blood clot by enzymic activity. Naturally occurring enzymes limit the enlargement of clots, and drugs for example, streptokinase may be given to ‘dissolve’ clots. The drug needs to be given within a few hours to be effective in reducing the death rate, so prompt diagnosis and transfer to hospital is essential: a short “door-to-needle’ time. An unwanted effect may be increased risk of bleeding, especially in the elderly. It has been used in trials in patients with pulmonary embolism and with peripheral arterial disease, but its value in these conditions is uncertain.
The breaking up of a thrombus. Thrombolytic enzyme therapy is used for lysis of thrombi obstructing coronary arteries in acute MI, management of acute massive pulmonary embolism, acute ischemic stroke within 3 hr of symptom onset, after intracranial bleeding has been ruled out, and to lyse deep vein thrombosis via catheter directed delivery.
A therapeutic intervention aimed at restoring and improving blood flow, with the potential to prevent lasting damage to the blood vessels.
The breakup or dissolution of a blood clot or thrombus, also known as thromboclasis.