Firmed up blood clots - Questions

mavis · Post by **mavis** » Fri Feb 11, 2011 3:23 pm

What happens when a clot is firmed up? Does it mean:

- that the body can NOT dissolve it anymore as it is hardened?

- that it is NOT possible to take the clot out, or could the doctor still try to cut and suction the pieces? Any risks in doing that?

- that pulmonary embolism is NOT a possibility anymore as the clot is hardened and most likely attached to something

JCB · Post by **JCB** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 12:23 pm

I think it depends on the size of the clot, and how long it has been "firmed up". My stent was full of a hard clot, The Dr. was not concerned that this clot would migrate as He couldn't get thru it. They had to come from the top of the clot and stent to work on it. They did get thru, it was a long procedure. I am very thankful that the Dr. did not give up. Currently on blood thinners to keep the stent open, and I feel good.

mavis · Post by **mavis** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 12:59 pm

Interesting. So, a blood clot that is fully occupying the stent (side to side) is better than the one that is allowing the catheter to go through (in terms of the migration risk). Is that correct?

Glad that you got yours treated and are doing fine.

I am not sure how my doctor will treat mine.

JCB · Post by **JCB** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 2:16 pm

No, I don't think there is a "better" kind of clot. I think your IR would rather get the clot cleared up before it completely blocks the stent.

I am not a Dr. and don't even play one on TV, just repeating what my Dr. told me.

It also sounded like small clot migration is different than a large DVT migration. Having any kind of clot makes me nervous.

Wish you the best.

mavis · Post by **mavis** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 4:18 pm

Thanks JCB. I know there isn't a "better" clot per se, it's just that this PE problem makes me very nervous I almost want my clot to harden and not move.