Blood clots: part 5

Is there a risk from taking these medications?

Yes, all blood thinning medication can cause bleeding. Thus one should avoid activities that can lead to trauma to the body, otherwise severe bleeding can occur.

Can blood clots be dissolved instantly?

Yes, there are medications (thrombolytics) which can rapidly dissolve blood clots. However, there are specific indications for use of these medications and they all carry a higher risk of complications. Their use is only limited to hospital patients.

Is surgery ever used to treat blood clots from the legs?

Yes, in very rare cases surgery (thrombectomy/embolectomy) is sometimes used in the treatment of blood clots. However, this is done for life or limb threatening cases only. There is no role for surgery in the routine treatment of blood clots in the legs. The surgery is hazardous and fraught with complications. However, it is life saving.

What happens if I am unable to tolerate a blood thinning medication?

Today, there are several devices (filters) which can be placed in the vein to prevent blood clots from migrating to lungs. The filter has to be placed before the blood clot has broken off. The filter acts like an umbrella and is quite effective in preventing the blood clot from moving to lung. These devices have an umbrella like appearance and do not dissolve the clot but prevent it from going to lungs. Filters are more commonly used in individuals who can not take blood thinners. There are both permanent and temporary filters available today but they do cost a fortune. Some of the temporary filters cost more than $15, 000.