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Blood Clot Busters
October 23, 2009 |
It’s a non-stop cycle. While we are working, eating, even sleeping our blood is
constantly moving and delivering much needed oxygen and nutrients to the body. One
slight hiccup, such as a blood clot, can delay that delivery, resulting in a stroke.
Dr. Paul Driscoll, a neurologist on the medical staff of Lee Memorial Health System,
introduces us to some newer methods for treating these clots.
“There’s the development of what’s called TPA, Tissue Plasminogen Activator, which
is a clot dissolver that can be given either intravenously, meaning in a vein, or
in some more specialized situations via a catheter like a tube.” The second method
is a bit more cutting edge. “There are now clot retrieval devices. Where they can
go up and put in some dye, see this artery clogged, go up, and put in this thing
that looks like a corkscrew called a mercy device and pull it up.” The third helps
restore blood flow using a suctioning method. “A penumbra, which is the newest one.
Which, for lack of a better term, wiggles and busts up the clot while it is sucking
it up as it goes through.”
Dr. Driscoll adds that for the most part blood clots associated with stroke are
largely preventable. Having routine tests, physical exams, and staying active can
help to reduce the risk.
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