Thrombolytic agent
A drug that is able to dissolve a clot (thrombus) and reopen an artery or vein. Thrombolytic agents may be used to treat a heart attack, stroke, deep vein thrombosis (clot in a deep leg vein), pulmonary embolism, and occlusion of a peripheral artery or indwelling catheter. All thrombolytic agents are serine proteases (they digest protein) and convert plasminogen to plasmin which breaks down the fibrinogen and fibrin and dissolves the clot. Currently available thrombolyic agents include reteplase (r-PA or Retavase), alteplase (t-PA or Activase), urokinase (Abbokinase), prourokinase, anisoylated purified streptokinase activator complex (APSAC), and streptokinase.
Also called clotbuster, clot-dissolving medication, fibrinolyic agent.
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The tendency to form thromboses (blood clots in arteries and veins).
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Inflammation of a vein that occurs when a blood clot forms.
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Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism.
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A blood clot within the cavernous sinus. A thrombosis in this key crossroads causes cavernous sinus syndrome.
- Thrombosis, deep vein (DVT)
Blood clotting in the veins of the inner thigh or leg. In air travel, deep vein thrombosis is the “economy-class syndrome.” deep vein thrombosis can be associated with any state of relative immobility, including prolonged sitting, following surgery, or with illness. Some deep vein thrombosis are associated with familial syndromes. Blood clots can break off […]