Thrombolytic therapy. For pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis.

Thrombolytic agents are effective in acute pulmonary embolism and thrombosis in the popliteal and proximal deep veins. Patients with recent thromboemboli, as manifested by onset of symptoms within the previous five days, respond best. Bleeding complications can be greatly reduced by proper patient selection and by avoidance of invasive procedures. Thrombolytic agents are easily administered, and laboratory monitoring has been simplified. Anticoagulants must be given when thrombolytic therapy is completed, since the thrombotic tendency probably still exists.