| Thrombolysis | |
|---|---|
 Angiograph before and after thrombolytic therapy in a case of acute limb ischemia. | |
| Other names | Fibrinolytic therapy |
| MedlinePlus | 007089 |
| eMedicine | 811234 |
Thrombolysis, also called fibrinolytic therapy, is the breakdown (lysis) of blood clots formed in blood vessels, using medication. It is used in ST elevation myocardial infarction, stroke, and in cases of severe venous thromboembolism (massive pulmonary embolism or extensive deep vein thrombosis).[citation needed]
The main complication is bleeding (which can be dangerous), and in some situations thrombolysis may therefore be unsuitable. Thrombolysis can also play an important part in reperfusion therapy that deals specifically with blocked arteries.