Thrombolysis for deep venous thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is a common and potentially dangerous complication of a primary illness in hospitalized patients. It may lead to pulmonary embolism that can be fatal. When venous thrombi dislodge, they can reach the pulmonary arterial circulation and may adhere to the bifurcation of the pulmonary artery. The thrombus generally forms in post-operative patients who are under extensive bed rest. It is also common in people who spend extended periods of time in a sedentary position.

Venous thrombosis develops when stasis in the deep veins of the legs occurs at times of increased coagulability of the blood. This combination leads to local generation of thrombin that is the crucial event in the pathogenesis of the disease. Since the clot forms under static conditions of blood flow more red blood cells are trapped and the clot appears red. Vessel wall injury is less likely to be involved. Deep vein thrombosis can also go undetected for some time, and they can be several weeks old before turning symptomatic.

Prevention of deep vein thrombosis is a critical part of post-operative care. This involves elimination of stasis and fighting blood coagulation. Although anticoagulant therapy is highly effective, two thirds of the patients who die from pulmonary embolism succumb abruptly or before the therapy can take effect. Thrombolytic therapy is generally more rapid than anticoagulants in thrombus removal.

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