Treatment of thromboembolic disease: medications and invasive methods

The main goal of treatment is to eliminate or minimize the risk of developing pulmonary embolization, and prevent the spread of thrombosis. Subsequently, it is important to dissolve and remove already formed blood clots.

So can it be cured?

The aim of the therapy is:

• prevent the growth and spread of thrombus
• reduce the risk of developing pulmonary embolism and post-thrombotic syndrome
• dissolve a blood clot

Regimen measures such as bed rest and physical rest are complemented. Elastic bandages and stockings are also used.

At this time, anticoagulant therapy is important. The latter ranks with professional first aid.

An option is thrombolysis - with fibrinolytics, which are blood clot-dissolving drugs. It is mainly applied in high venous thrombosis. Here there is a higher risk of embolization.

Also, thrombolysis is given in case of already present embolization.

Standard anticoagulant treatment includes:

1. low molecular weight heparin - LMWH - administered after surgery, when immobilizing a limb, in pregnant women (if necessary), rather short-term treatment
2. heparin - acute treatment for embolism
3. warfarin - long-term treatment of hypercoagulable states, blocking coagulation factors
4. anticoagulant drugs of another type, of which there are a large number

Anticoagulation therapy interferes directly with the blood clotting process.

Medications are given to support cardiac and respiratory function, oxygen, and other special medications

Invasive techniques are another option.

Invasive removal of a blood clot during endovascular surgery. The catheter is passed directly to the blood clot in a minimally invasive approach. The clot is then dissolved and mechanically removed.

After consideration, another surgical method may be chosen, such as embolectomy, caval filter. This is a mesh that is placed in a hollow vein where it prevents blood clots from entering the heart and lungs. It can be permanent or temporary.

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment reduce the risk of death due to pulmonary embolism or the development of complications and, therefore, the length of your fit note (or Statement of Fitness for Work) and the rate of disability. Subsequent return to work depends on the persistence of difficulties.