Thrombolytic therapy for venous thromboembolism. Complications and contraindications.

There is renewed interest in the treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis and acute pulmonary embolism with thromboembolytic therapy because of the demonstrated mortality reduction in patients with acute myocardial of the demonstrated mortality reduction in patients with acute myocardial infarction and because of the development of newer, fibrin-specific drugs. Bleeding is the major complication of thrombolytic therapy. This article addresses the benefits and risks of using thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute deep vein thrombosis or acute pulmonary embolism.