Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
08:02
Establishment of a Minimally Invasive Rat Model of Pulmonary Embolism Using Autologous Blood Clots
Published on: October 25, 2024
Snake-like thrombus in the right atrium causing pulmonary embolism.
C Y Karabay1, G Kocabay, A Kalayci
1Kartal Kosuyolu Yuksek Ihtisas Heart Education and Research Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Istanbul, Turkey.
Cardiovascular Journal of Africa
|December 15, 2010
Summary
This case report details treating an 84-year-old woman with a free-floating right atrial thrombus using a low-dose, prolonged infusion of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). This approach successfully managed the cardiac thrombus in an elderly patient.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Free-floating thrombi in the right atrium are rare but pose significant embolic risks.
- Traditional anticoagulation may be insufficient for certain thrombus types.
- Systemic thrombolysis carries risks, especially in elderly patients.
Observation:
- An 84-year-old female presented with a free-floating thrombus in the right atrium.
- The patient was treated with a carefully managed, low-dose, prolonged infusion of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA).
Findings:
- The low-dose, prolonged tPA infusion was effective in resolving the right atrial thrombus.
- The treatment was tolerated well by the elderly patient, suggesting a potential therapeutic window.
Implications:
- This case suggests that prolonged, low-dose tPA infusion may be a viable treatment option for right atrial thrombi in select elderly patients.
- Further research is warranted to establish optimal dosing and patient selection criteria for this approach.
- This strategy could offer an alternative to surgery or standard anticoagulation in specific clinical scenarios.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
01:19Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...
01:30Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Venous thrombosis, the most common disorder of the veins, involves the formation of a thrombus or blood clot associated with vein inflammation. It can be classified as either superficial vein thrombosis or deep vein thrombosis.Superficial Vein Thrombosis: This involves the formation of a thrombus in a superficial vein, usually the greater or lesser saphenous vein. Though less severe than deep vein thrombosis (DVT), SVT can lead to complications if untreated.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): This...
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
01:27Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...