pharmacomechanical thrombolysis
Also written as: PMT — Pharmacomechanical thrombolysis
Combined approach using both mechanical disruption and chemical dissolution of arterial thrombi.
Full Definition
Pharmacomechanical thrombolysis (PMT) combines mechanical clot disruption with local delivery of thrombolytic agents to achieve more rapid and complete clot removal compared to either technique alone. Various devices are available including pulse-spray catheters, rotating catheters, ultrasound-assisted systems, and aspiration devices. The mechanical component helps expose more clot surface area to the lytic agent and can reduce treatment time compared to catheter-directed thrombolysis alone. This technique is particularly useful in cases where rapid restoration of flow is critical or when large clot burden is present.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as a compound modifier. PMT abbreviation widely accepted in interventional literature.
In Context
- "Pharmacomechanical thrombolysis achieved complete clot clearance within 4 hours." — Case study report
- "The AngioJet device was used for pharmacomechanical thrombolysis of the popliteal artery occlusion." — Procedure documentation