What is Pharmacomechanical Thrombolysis?

Updated on: August 18, 2014

Individuals in the South Ogden, Utah have found success through pharmacomechanical thrombolysis. This is a procedure used to destroy and remove clots that are located in deep veins, especially those suffering from deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Clot-dissolving agents are combined with mechanical devices to soften and break up the clot so it may be removed through suction. Anticoagulant drugs, or blood thinners, may be used to prevent new clots, but pharmacomechanical thrombolysis is used to break up an existing clot to help prevent vascular damage and reducing other risks that may occur when these clots break loose.

Before undergoing treatment, patients should discuss their candidacy for treatment. It is typically used for individuals who are suffering from deep vein thrombosis, which is a condition in which clots form in the veins deep within the body. Most of these conditions occur within the legs, but they may occur in other areas as well. Some patients may experience pain, swelling or discoloration of the leg in which the clot is located with DVT. The affected area may even feel warm to the touch in some cases. These clots may sometimes break away from the vein and travel through the body where they may cause potentially serious health risks. The clot may travel to the lungs, which may cause a pulmonary embolism, which is potentially fatal. Treatment to remove these clots before they break away is often important.

The procedure is performed under sedation in most cases to help ensure patient comfort throughout the treatment process. A catheter, or thin flexible tube, is inserted into the vein containing the clot. The catheter is passed through the vein until the clot is reached. The mechanical device used to break up the clot is contained within the catheter, which is also used to deliver the clot dissolving agents. The catheter advances through the clot until its tip emerges on the other end of the clot. A tiny balloon is then inflated at the catheter end and a second balloon is inflated at the near end of the clot. This prevents the clot from breaking free during the treatment.

When the balloons are in place, the clot dissolving agent is administered and the mechanical device is activated to break up the clot. When it is broken up, a suction tip removes the debris and the balloons are deflated. The catheter is then removed from the vein. This procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes in most cases. Like most other medical procedures, there are certain risks of which patients should be aware during this treatment. There is a small risk of infection following the treatment, while there is also a small risk of bleeding complications and vascular injury. Individuals interested in treatment should consult a specialist in the South Ogden area to learn more about the potential risks associated with this treatment. Individuals who would like to learn more about pharmacomechanical thrombolysis should speak with a specialist in their area and their insurance company to help determine if insurance will cover the cost of treatment.

Learn more about pharmacomechanical thrombolysis in South Ogden, Utah.

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