Let's learn exactly about the life-saving treatment that dissolves an emergency blood clot (Fibrinolytic / Thrombolytic Therapy)!

Imagine that someone close to you suddenly has chest pain, is sweating with difficulty breathing. Or suddenly has a swollen mouth, a numb arm, and is unable to speak. How precious are every second in a time like this? Today we are talking about a special, powerful treatment that can save a life by dissolving dangerous blood clots that cause life-threatening emergencies like these.

Simply put, what is this treatment?

This is called fibrinolytic or thrombolytic therapy. Although the names are a bit complicated, the process is very simple. It is like a liquid that we use to clean a clogged drain in our home.

When a dangerous blood clot forms inside a blood vessel in our body, it stops the flow of blood through it. As a result, vital organs such as the brain and heart that are supplied with blood by that vessel begin to die without receiving oxygen. This is the cause of many heart attacks and strokes.

So what this treatment does is inject a very powerful drug into the body, which dissolves and removes that dangerous blood clot. This reopens the vein, restoring blood flow. That means it can save a life.

In what cases is this treatment necessary?

This is not a routine treatment. It is given in emergencies and when there is a risk to life. Doctors consider this treatment method especially in the following cases:

How is this medicine administered to the body?

There are two ways to provide this.

1. Through an IV line: This is the most commonly used method. The medication is given directly into your bloodstream through a cannula (IV line) placed in a vein in your arm.

2. Through a catheter: Sometimes, especially when the medicine needs to be delivered directly to the site of the blood clot, doctors insert a thin tube (catheter) through a blood vessel and inject the medicine directly into the site of the blood clot.

How important is time? - Every second is golden!

Time is of the essence in this treatment. Every second that the blood clot is stuck, brain cells or heart muscle cells die. Therefore, it is essential to start treatment as soon as possible .

Therefore, if you see symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, do not try to treat them at home or wait. Take the patient to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) as soon as possible.

Are there any cases where this treatment cannot be given?

Yes. This is a very powerful medicine, so it cannot be given to everyone. Because it dissolves blood clots and increases the risk of bleeding in the body. Therefore, giving this treatment to some people can be dangerous.

The medical team will decide whether you are suitable for this treatment after a few quick tests. This treatment is usually not given to people with the following conditions:

• If you are over 75 years old.
• If you have had a brain bleed before.
• If you are currently using blood-thinning medications.
• If you have had a stroke within the last 3 months.
• If you are actively bleeding from anywhere in the body or have recently had major surgery/injury.
• If you know you have a brain tumor.
• If pregnant.
• If you have high blood pressure that cannot be controlled.
• If you have diabetic eye diseases due to diabetes.
• If the platelet count is very low.

This list is not exhaustive. The final decision will be made by your treating doctor based on your specific condition.

How the treatment is done step by step

Before treatment

Because this is an emergency, you will be admitted directly to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) , where the medical and nursing teams will closely monitor everything from your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.

During treatment

As mentioned earlier, the medication will be given into the body through an IV line or catheter. During the treatment, tests such as CT scans or MRI scans will be used to see if the blood clot is dissolving.

In some cases, in addition to or instead of this medication, a mechanical thrombectomy may be performed. This involves using a catheter to reach the site of the clot, break it into small pieces, and remove it through the urine .

After treatment

After treatment, doctors check to see if any pieces of the blood clot remain. More treatment may be needed. For example, stenting , balloon angioplasty , or open surgery may be needed to keep the artery open longer.

Also, doctors will advise you to continue taking blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants) , such as Warfarin or Heparin, to prevent further blood clots from forming in the future.

What are the risks and side effects of this?

The main and most common risk of this treatment is bleeding . This is normal.

• Bleeding may occur from the site of the cannula.
• A recent injury may bleed again.
• Nosebleeds may occur.
• There may be blood in the urine.
• There may be blood in the stool.
• Women may experience excessive vaginal bleeding.
• The rarest, but most dangerous, risk is brain bleed .

Despite these risks, for many people the benefit of this treatment, which means saving lives, far outweighs these risks. That's why doctors weigh everything up before making this decision.

When should I see the doctor again?

After you go home after treatment, if any complications arise, you should notify the doctor immediately.

• If there is excessive bleeding .
• If you experience unbearable pain .
• If you develop a fever .

If something like this happens, call your doctor immediately. He or she will determine the cause and prescribe the necessary treatment.