Thrombolytic therapy for right heart lesions

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Medicine
• Thrombosis Research

Background:

• Thrombolytic agents are standard for arterial and venous thromboses.
• Limited data exist on thrombolysis for right heart clots, particularly in complex cardiac histories.

Observation:

• Two patients with prior cardiac surgeries received fibrinolytic therapy for right heart thrombosis.
• Case 1: Prosthetic pulmonary valve thrombosis. Case 2: Tricuspid atresia with Fontan duct stenosis and right atrial clot.

Findings:

• Fibrinolytic therapy was explored as a treatment for thrombosis in right heart structures.
• The therapy was considered a potential safe alternative to surgery in these cases.

Implications:

• Thrombolytic therapy may offer a less invasive option for right heart clot management.
• Even partial effectiveness can facilitate surgical preparation and mitigate risks during intervention.