Thrombosis

What is thrombosis?

Thrombosis occurs when clots obstruct veins (blood vessels that carry blood from the body back into the heart) or arteries (blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body). Venous thrombosis is when the blood clot obstructs a vein, and arterial thrombosis is when the blood clot obstructs an artery.

Treatment for thrombosis:

Specific treatment for thrombosis will be determined by your physician
based on:

• your age, overall health, and medical history
• extent and type of thrombosis
• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
• expectations for the course of the disease
• your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

• anticoagulant medications, such as coumadin and heparin
• catheters (to expand the width, or lumen, of involved vessels)
• medications, such as tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and/or enzymes, such as streptokinase (to dissolve clots)

back to top