Blood Clot FAQ's - Special Situations
Q. When is a clot dissolving medicine like
Tissue Plasminogen Activator (TPA) administered?
A. TPA is approved for treatment of a massive PE within 14 days of the onset of
symptoms. It is not approved for treatment of a DVT.
Q. Do blood clots need to be removed through a
catheter?
A. Not usually. If a clot is particularly large or life threatening, a catheter
may be used to remove it.
Q. Are blood clots removed surgically?
A. Only in rare situations.
Q. When is the placement of a filter
recommended?
A. If you have had repeat PEs despite anticoagulation, your doctor may recommend
a filter. The filter is inserted in the vein leading to the heart and catches
clots before they travel to the heart and lungs. If a clot is caught by the
filter, the vein is large enough to allow blood to flow around the clot.
Q. Do filters stay in permanently?
A. Yes.
Q. If I have a filter, do I still take Coumadin
or Heparin?
A. Usually, the placement of a filter does not change the anticoagulant therapy
regimen.
