Thrombectomy & Thrombolysis
Thrombectomy and thrombolysis are both medical procedures that treat blood clots, but they differ in how they remove the clot.
- Thrombectomy is a procedure that removes a blood clot from a vein or artery. It can be used to treat blood clots in the brain, arms, legs, intestines, kidneys, and other vital organs.
- Thrombolysis, also known as thrombolytic therapy or fibrinolytic therapy, is a treatment that breaks up blood clots or prevents new ones from forming. It's used to improve blood flow and prevent tissue and organ damage.
When is the procedure recommended?
Thrombectomy is often an emergency procedure that's recommended when other treatments, like blood thinners or clot-busting medications, aren't working. A thrombectomy may be recommended if a large clot is present, the clot is damaging tissue, the clot is located within the arm or leg, the clot may break loose into the bloodstream, or the patient is unable to take blood thinners or other clot-busting medications
Thrombolysis is most often used after an emergency such as a heart attack, pulmonary embolism or stroke.
How is the procedure performed?
Thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a catheter to access the clot through a small incision. The interventional radiologist uses specialized equipment to break up or suction out the clot, with the help of continuous X-ray imaging to guide the catheter. A thrombectomy can restore blood flow to vital organs and significantly reduce the risk of death or permanent disability if performed quickly.
During a thrombolysis procedure, our interventional radiologist will make a small incision in the neck, groin, arm, or behind the knee and guide a catheter into a blood vessel. They will use imaging guidance to obtain images while guiding the catheter to the clot. Once the catheter is in place, the medication is injected. Thrombolysis is often performed as an emergency treatment, for example following a stroke.
What are the benefits?
Thrombectomy can help reduce the risk of death or permanent tissue damage and can be lifesaving. Benefits of a thrombectomy include improved chance of recovery and reduced disability.
Thrombolysis can help to prevent damage to organs and tissues, prevent heart muscle damage by quickly dissolving clots and restarting blood flow to the heart; reduce long-term side effects from conditions caused by blood clots, such as heart attacks and strokes.
