Thrombolysis involves an injection of clot busting drugs (e.g tenecteplase), which are given directly into the vein.
Thrombolysis treatment may be an emergency treatment if PCI is not available. Treatment with thrombolysis is most effective when it is given as soon as possible. This helps to reduce damage to the myocardium and reduce the risk of complications. It may be administered by paramedics or GPs if transfer to hospital would delay treatment.
This treatment is not suitable for everyone as there is a risk of bleeding.
A standard treatment regime would be:
- Unfractionated heparin (5000 units IV)
- Tenecteplase (100 units per kilo IV)
Thrombolysis can also be given to reperfuse the brain after a stroke. For more information about thrombolysis in the treatment of stroke refer to: Stroke Training and Awareness Resources (STARs).
Animation of the heart and drug dissolving a blood clot in the left coronary artery
Page last reviewed: 10 Jun 2020
