Thromboembolism

The obstruction of a blood vessel with material deposited by the bloodstream.

Thrombolysis

The procedure that uses thrombolytic agents (thrombolytics) to dissolve blood clots formed in certain blood vessels.

Thrombolytics

Drugs that can quickly dissolve the fibrin mesh that binds clots together and block coronary arteries, thus opening up the artery and restoring blood flow to arteries. ‘Clot-busting’ medicines that must be given immediately (within an hour) following events such as heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism symptoms begin. When used early enough, the drug can prevent or limit heart muscle damage and stop the progression of the heart attack. Thrombolytics are administered by intravenous infusion or directly into the clot via a catheter; hospitalization is required and the risk of bleeding complications is greater than with anticoagulants. This class of drugs includes streptokinase and tissue plasminogen activator (TPA).

Thrombophlebitis

Inflammation of a vein due to a blood clot.

Thromboprophylaxis

The use of drugs or other protective therapies to prevent clotting risk (thrombosis).

Thrombosis

The formation, presence or development of a thrombus (a clot of coagulated blood attached at the site of its formation) within the lumen (open cavity) of a blood vessel or chambers of the heart. Thrombosis can occur in an artery: arterial thrombosis or in a body’s vein: venous thrombosis.

Thrombus

A blood clot formed from red blood cells, platelets and a protein called fibrin inside a blood vessel or cavity of the heart; may obstruct a blood vessel at its point of formation or travel to other areas of the body. Plural: thrombi.

Tissue factor

A protein released from damaged tissue that triggers the clotting cascade.