Cerebral Thrombolysis / Clot RetrievalCerebral Thrombolysis or Clot Retrieval is a non-invasive procedure that removes a blood clot from a blood vessel that is blocking blood flow in the brain. This procedure is performed using a thrombolytic medication to try to dissolve the clot or by the use of specialised medical equipment to remove the clot. The procedure uses a similar technique to an angiogram. Preparation
A staff member will provide you with the appropriate individual instructions upon booking your appointment. This procedure will require general anaesthetic therefore you will need to fast from midnight the night before your appointment. This will ensure that your stomach is empty and eliminate the risk of aspiration (food or fluid in the lungs). Please inform the clerk at the time of booking your procedure if you are currently taking medication that thin your blood (eg Aspirin, Plavix, Warfarin) as these may need to be stopped a few days prior to your procedure. It may be useful to bring a LIST of medications to your appointment. You will need to have a blood test a few days prior to your appointment to assess your kidney function and blood clotting times. If your blood sample was taken outside the hospital then please obtain a copy of the results and bring it with you on the day of your procedure. You will need to bring any previous films (x-ray/CT/MRI/US) along to your appointment. It is important that you inform a member of staff as soon as possible if you are pregnant BEFORE the procedure is performed. If you suspect that you could be pregnant then you will need to have a pregnancy test at the hospital prior to the commencement of the procedure. This procedure involves the use of intravenous contrast; see Intravenous Contrast For health and safety reasons, family members cannot be present with you during the procedure. A staff member will be available to assist you at all times during the procedure if you have any concerns. A doctor will explain the procedure beforehand and you will be required to sign a consent form. If you require an interpreter, please inform the booking clerk at the time of booking. This procedure requires your groin area to be shaved. It is optional if you wish to personally attend to this prior to appointment. Procedure
You will be asked to remove underwear and change into a hospital gown. All jewellery and metal objects in the area to be scanned will need to be removed as this can cause artefact and obscure the images. Yow will be seen by an anaesthetist who will be happy to provide information and answer your questions about the general anaesthetic. You will be asked to remove your underwear and change into a hospital gown. All jewellery and metal objects in the area to be scanned will need to be removed as this can cause artefacts and obscure the images. An IV cannula will be inserted into a vein in your arm. The anaesthetist will then administer the medications to put you to sleep. When you are asleep, a sterile sheet will be draped over you with part of the groin exposed. A needle will be inserted using ultrasound guidance into the common femoral artery in your groin. A soft wire is inserted through the needle into your artery and the needle is then replaced with a short plastic tube called a sheath. A catheter is then guided through your arteries and carefully advanced to the carotid artery in your neck. Once the catheter is in place, a special contrast material goes through the catheter. X-ray images are taken to see how the contrast moves through the artery. The contrast helps highlight any blockages in blood flow. The size and location of the clot will determine which treatment method is most suitable. It can be treated with an infusion of thrombolytic medication directly to the clot to try and dissolve it or by using special devices to manually retrieve the clot. In most cases, a combination of both techniques is used After the Procedure
At the end of the procedure the sheath will be removed and pressure is immediately applied to the area for about 10 to 15 minutes to stop bleeding. You will need to remain lying flat for two to four hours. Your groin and vital signs will be monitored regularly post procedure for haematoma, oozing and bruising. Staff will discuss with you what level of activity is suitable after your procedure. Watch the area for bleeding for at least the next 12 hours. Results
A report regarding your procedure will be given to you before you leave to give to your referring doctor. It contains information about your procedure and any findings that your doctor should know about. Preparation Checklist
Don't forget to bring these along to your appointment
|
 |
Medical Imaging |
|
