Thrombolysis is the treatment to break up abnormal blood clots that are restricting blood flow. Thrombolytic therapy dissolves these blood clots using various medications administered directly into the clot through a catheter. Mechanical thrombolysis is the disruption of a blood clot using one of several mechanical devices.

An interventional radiologist can use either or both of these methods to dissolve and remove blood clots. The procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist, a physician specially trained to perform thrombolysis and similar procedures. Radiologic thrombolysis can greatly improve blood flow and reduce or eliminate the related symptoms and effects without the need for more invasive surgery.