Intravenous thrombolysis

Abstract

This chapter will review the basic mechanisms of clot formation (thrombosis) and dissolution (thrombolysis or fibrinolysis), the mechanisms of the major drug classes used in treatment, and the results from major clinical trials. This chapter will also present evidencebased recommendations and protocols for applying thrombolytic therapy to individual patients. © 2006 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.