What is it?
Thrombolytic drugs (e.g. Tenecteplase, Alteplase, Urokinase) break down the thrombus occluding the blood vessel so the blood flow to the heart muscle can be restored to prevent further damage and assist healing. The sooner the blood flow can be restored, the better the chances of avoiding the death of the heart muscle. They are administered IV to the patient.
Who is it given to?
Patients with clinical symptoms +/- ECG changes indicative of STEMI who are unable to get to a PCI centre within 120mins. However, patients still need to be transported to a PCI capable centre even if thrombolysis has been administered as it is only successful in 1/3rd of patients.
Where and when is it available?
Can be administered by a GP or trained Paramedic. Ideally if you are alone in a remote and rural location, you want to wait until the ambulance has arrived or for colleague back-up before administering thrombolysis due to the high risk of associated complications.