Etymed
thrombolysis
Definition
The process of breaking down or dissolving a blood clot
Clinical context
A 65-year-old man presents to the emergency department with acute chest pain and shortness of breath that started 2 hours ago. ECG shows ST-segment elevation, and cardiac enzymes are elevated. The patient is diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction and immediately started on thrombolytic therapy to restore coronary blood flow. A few hours later, his chest pain resolves and cardiac enzymes normalize.
Mnemonic
THROMBOLYSIS = Tissue plasminogen activator breaks down clots like a scissor cutting through thread