Thrombolysis is the name given to a treatment, administered via a group of medications which dissolve blood clots. Blood clots form in blood vessels (veins) for a variety of reasons. One of the most frequent causes is damage to the valves in the veins. These valves open and close like gates aiding in moving blood back to the heart from the legs against gravity. When a valve is damaged, blood is not as easily moved out of a vein. With sluggish blood flow, blood slows and clots develop. The "back up" of blood caused by the clot can cause symptoms of swelling and discomfort. Receiving a "thrombolytic" (clot-dissolving), medication will, hopefully, destroy the clot, restore blood flow and reduce or eliminate your symptoms.
To determine the location of the clot, your doctor will likely perform a venogram, in which x-ray dye is injected into an artery to make clots visible. The thrombolysis procedure does not require any incisions, but consists of being intravenously injected with clot-dissolving medication via a tiny catheter inserted into the vein. Typically, the process takes a few hours, during which time the patient is monitored and treatment may be adjusted based on progress.
The general surgeons of The Jackson Clinic offer Thrombolysis to their patients in Jackson and across West Tennessee, as a minimally-invasive alternative to open surgery for the treatment blood clots. Contact The Jackson Clinic to schedule a consultation.