Thrombolytic Therapy

In patients who suffer from blood clots in arteries, veins, dialysis shunts or bypass grafts, thrombolytic therapy is one of several treatment options. The therapy involves the slow delivery of a potent blood clot dissolving medication through a catheter within a blood vessel or graft. Medications typically used are TPA, Urokinase, or Streptokinase. The procedure can last from 2 hours to 48 hours and often requires observation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), during the slow delivery of the medication. The preparation is similar to that of an angiogram. Patients are closely observed for any bleeding complications.