Thrombolyze

To dissolve or break down a thrombus, which is a blood clot, within a blood vessel. This process aims to restore blood flow to the affected area and prevent or reverse damage caused by ischemia (lack of blood supply). Thrombolysis is typically achieved through the administration of thrombolytic drugs, also known as fibrinolytics, that activate the body's natural clot-dissolving system. This intervention is crucial in acute medical situations like heart attacks and strokes to minimize tissue damage and improve patient outcomes.

Thrombolyze meaning with examples

• In the emergency room, the physician quickly assessed the patient suffering a suspected myocardial infarction (heart attack). After confirming the diagnosis with an ECG, they decided to thrombolyze the blockage in the coronary artery using tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to restore blood flow to the heart muscle and to stop the damage.
• The neurologist explained to the family that their relative's stroke was likely caused by a clot. They decided to thrombolyze the clot and remove it from the brain vessel by giving the patient a strong blood thinner to break down the clot before more brain tissue could be damaged due to a lack of oxygen.
• Given the patient's pulmonary embolism, doctors urgently decided to thrombolyze the clot lodged in the pulmonary artery to prevent further respiratory distress and potential death. The medication was carefully administered, monitoring the patient's vital signs.
• Following a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the patient's leg, the vascular surgeon decided it was crucial to thrombolyze the clot and prevent any serious long term damages by giving them a medicine that would help the body dissolve the blood clot and to allow the blood to circulate freely.