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What is transcatheter thrombolysis?

If you suffer a sudden or severe blockage in an artery, the organ or tissue served by that artery may be harmed if the artery is not opened. In this emergency situation, surgery may be avoided by using transcatheter thrombolysis. A small catheter is placed across the blockage and the blood clot is dissolved using a special medication.
 
Do I need to stay in the hospital overnight?
In most cases, you will be admitted to an intensive care unit overnight, while the blood clot dissolving medication works. This enables a nurse to monitor your progress closely. Usually you return for a follow-up angiogram the next morning to determine the results of the thrombolysis.
 
Will other procedures be needed in addition to thrombolysis?
After the blood clot is dissolved, the Interventional Radiologist can repair any underlying narrowing in the blood vessel that may have caused the blood clot. If the problem is severe, you may require surgery. After therapy is completed, you may benefit from medication that will help the problem from coming back.