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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Prehospital Thrombolysis: A Manual from Berlin
Published on: November 26, 2013
Thrombolytic agents in critical care
Thrombolytic therapy, when instituted early in optimum dosage, has had an important role in improving the survival of critically ill patients. Thrombolysis is but one component of the processes associated with hemostasis, the mechanism by which humans are protected from death by hemorrhage following injury to a blood vessel. The natural process of thrombolysis is mediated by plasmin, the primary protein responsible for clot lysis. Recent studies have established the efficacy of the intravenous administration of thrombolytic agents in decreasing mortality and improving patient outcome.
Thrombolytic therapy, when instituted early in optimum dosage, has had an important role in improving the survival of critically ill patients. Thrombolysis is but one component of the processes associated with hemostasis, the mechanism by which humans are protected from death by hemorrhage following injury to a blood vessel. The natural process of thrombolysis is mediated by plasmin, the primary protein responsible for clot lysis. Recent studies have established the efficacy of the intravenous administration of thrombolytic agents in decreasing mortality and improving patient outcome.
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