Normally is it not used on DVT patients because of the criteria involved. Here is some general information from a medical website:

"Because tPA is such a strong treatment, it can only be used under certain circumstances. For example, a patient must not have any existing bleeding disorders since a side effect of tPA is a much greater risk of excessive bleeding than with either heparin or warfarin. In addition, a definite diagnosis of DVT must be made by a venography before tPA treatment will be considered, and the DVT must usually have been present for less than three days. The limitations of tPA treatment make thrombolytic medications less favorable than heparin or warfarin, so tPA is usually only used as a DVT treatment in specific circumstances"

It's main purpose is for those suffering a stroke or heart attack and must be administered within a few hours after symptoms begin (see - http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4751).

Hopes this sheds some light.

Regards,
Tom

Thanks for the information, the ER doctor told me it was a good Idea for me to do the TPA bc it would bust the clot up significantly, I did receive the treatment after being admitted, and it did make a big difference in my clot.

Thanks for the information, the ER doctor told me it was a good Idea for me to do the TPA bc it would bust the clot up significantly, I did receive the treatment after being admitted, and it did make a big difference in my clot.

Yeah, I had it when I was getting treated in the ER.

I had a TPA on the day we discovered the PE. My physicians said that given the size of clots in my lungs, it would reduce the recovery time significantly. I admit it was scary after they told me the risks involved, but I decided to do it. Half way through, my nose started bleeding and they stopped administering it. But I do think it helped my recovery as I was able to get back into the swing of a relatively normal active life within six months from the event.

I am not sure - I thought so because the alternative was the filter thingy and there was no way I was going for that? But then maybe it was just heparin? I know they said they gave me some clottbuster and my clots seeemd to vanish quickly - the specialist thought they were gone within a week and i had multiple in both lungs and a "moderate load" according to my reports. But they never did find any in my legs??? Just glad it is over and moving on...Walk, walk, walk...my new mantra!