Aster Hospitals is a renowned medical facility that offers advanced medical treatment options to patients. One of the procedures they specialize in is intravenous thrombolysis, which is a medical process used to treat stroke or deep vein thrombosis.
During intravenous thrombolysis, medication is injected directly into a vein to dissolve a blood clot. The thrombolytic agents used in this procedure include TNKase, and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).
At Aster Hospitals, doctors may also administer clot-dissolving medication through a catheter inserted into the access site or by inserting a lengthier catheter into the blood vessel and navigating it close to the clot to dispense medication directly onto it.
While intravenous thrombolysis can be a highly effective treatment option when administered promptly and under the appropriate circumstances, it is not risk-free. Patients may experience bleeding or allergic reactions as side effects. However, with the medical staff's expertise and state-of-the-art technology, Aster Hospitals, ensures patients receive the best care during intravenous thrombolysis.
FAQs
At Aster Hospitals we provide the highest quality of care and a transformative experience for all your healthcare needs. With our network of multi-speciality hospitals, specialised doctors, and world-class technology, we bring global standards of medical care to our patients.
What is intravenous thrombolysis?
Thrombolysis can be done by injecting clot-busting medications through an intravenous (IV) line or a catheter that delivers the medicaton directly to the blockage site.
What is the window period of IV thrombolysis?
Intravenous thrombolysis is for acute ischemic stroke. It should be initiated within 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms.
What happens after thrombolysis?
Following thrombolysis, the survival rate of patients who can live independently increases by 10%. Yet, there is a possibility of bleeding in the brain due to thrombolysis. It affects approximately one out of every 25 people within seven days. This bleeding can be fatal despite the benefits of thrombolysis in about one out of every 40 cases.
What is the risk of hemorrhage after thrombolysis?
The use of tPA is limited due to the possibility of intracerebral hemorrhage. However, the level of risk depends on two significant factors:
- The patient's profile
- Intracerebral hemorrhage type
This intracerebral hemorrhage normally falls between 2% and 7%.
What is the target BP after thrombolysis?
Doctors recommend keeping patients' blood pressure for IV tPA therapy below 185/110 mmHg while receiving the infusion. But it should be below 180/105 mmHg for 24 hours.
Who is eligible for IV thrombolysis?
Patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke fulfilling specific criteria are eligible for IV thrombolysis. The standards are as follows:
- Time of onset of symptoms
- Age of the patient
- Blood pressure
- Other medical conditions
What are the risks of IV thrombolysis?
Healthcare providers typically insert an IV line or catheter to administer thrombolytic therapy. This is a time-consuming process and can take 1–48 hours. The patient or the patient's caretaker must know the possible risks of this type of treatment. There are also chances of low blood pressure and internal bleeding. As thrombolytic treatment can effectively dissolve blood clots, an added surgery may be required to manage the underlying issue.
Is thrombolysis good or bad for you?
Thrombolytic therapy can dissolve a blood clot. It lets blood flow again to vital organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs. This treatment can control the intense damage caused by a blood clot.
What injection is used for thrombolysis?
Experts at Aster Hospitals prefer using tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for thrombolytic therapy. However, with other medicines, identical results can be obtained. It's crucial to receive thrombolytic medicines within the first 30 minutes of arriving at the hospital for treatment, as a blood clot can obstruct the arteries leading to the heart.
Is thrombolysis a surgery?
Yes, thrombolysis is a less invasive surgical procedure. It is better than traditional open surgery for clot removal. Thrombolysis typically results in a short hospital stay. Additionally, blood loss is minimized compared to other surgical options, and there is no visible surgical incision.
Advanced Technology & Facilities
To administer intravenous thrombolysis, Aster Hospitals have several essential facilities and diagnostics required. They have a dedicated stroke unit with trained healthcare professionals. The unit has all specialized monitoring equipment to track patients during and after the procedure. Furthermore, a well-equipped emergency department always provides immediate care to patients undergoing acute ischemic stroke. The department has the following necessary resources:
Computed tomography (CT) scan identifies the precise location of the blood clot in the brain. It is done by injecting a contrast dye into the patient's bloodstream. This dye highlights the blood vessels in the brain, allowing the CT scan to create detailed images of the brain's structure. These images help the medical team determine the clot's size and location, which is essential for effective administration of thrombolytic drugs. Using CT scanners in intravenous thrombolysis has improved outcomes for patients suffering from ischemic stroke, as it allows for prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment.
An angiogram is used to visualize the blood vessels in the body. It is often used to help diagnose conditions like stroke and heart diseases. When it comes to intravenous thrombolysis, an angiogram can help locate the blood clot and assess its severity. This information can help doctors decide on the best course of treatment, including whether to administer thrombolytic medication.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that uses powerful magnets, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of the brain and brainstem. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safer option for repeated imaging.
