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.