Thrombolysis

Definition

The medical process of dissolving blood clots using medications, basically a chemical sledgehammer for unwanted clots.

Example Usage

The acute ischemic stroke patient received thrombolytic therapy with alteplase within the 4.5-hour treatment window.

Origin

From Greek 'thrombos' (clot) + 'lysis' (breaking down); modern medical terminology.

Fun Fact

Time is critical with thrombolysis—the sooner it's administered after stroke onset, the better the neurological outcomes.

Source: Neurology and Emergency Medicine standards

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