Thrombolytic drugs are used to dissolve a thrombus.

Thrombolytics

Catheter-directed thrombolytic (CDT) therapy is often used. This procedure is conducted in the ICU and requires the threading of a catheter through the vein and into the thrombus. Thrombolytic (clot-dissolving) medication is then infused into the thrombus to dissolve the clot.

Thrombolytic therapy is effective and relatively easy to administer, but it generally takes time for effective thrombus dissolution. Infusion may last 8-48 hours, requiring multiple trips to the lab to assess progress.

With thrombolytics, there is an increased risk of bleeding and a slight increase of intracranial bleeding, which may cause a stroke. The risk of intracranial bleeding is estimated at 2 to 5%