Catheter Assisted Thrombolysis (EKOS)

The EKOS is an ultrasound machine that is used to break up blood clot(s) in a desired area of your body. It uses ultrasound waves and special clot dissolving medication that helps remove the clot(s).

Before Your Procedure

• Do not eat 8 hours before and do not drink 4 hours before your procedure.
• Take medications with a sip of water. Certain medications cannot be taken prior to this procedure; your doctor will provide instructions if you need to adjust your medication.
• Plan to stay overnight at the hospital for one or more days.

During Your Procedure

A team of nurses, imaging technologists and a doctor will explain and perform the procedure.

• Nurse places an IV for sedation medication
• Due to the required bed rest, a nurse may place a small catheter in your bladder to drain urine.
• Imaging Technologist positions you on an exam table for X-ray.
• Nurse places monitors on your arm and hand to measure your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen level. You may receive oxygen during this procedure. Sedation medication is given to help with pain and relaxation.
• Technologist shaves, sterilizes and covers the area where the catheter is inserted with a surgical drape.
• Doctor numbs the skin site and inserts a very small tube called a catheter into the vessel.
• Doctor uses X-ray to guide the catheter to the area of clot.
• Doctor verifies catheter is in correct location and starts the dissolving medication and ultrasound waves.
• Technologist or nurse cover the catheter with a dressing to ensure it stays securely in place.

After Your Procedure

• You are moved to a room in the hospital while the device and medication are dissolving the clot.
• You need to lay flat on your back until the catheter is removed.
• To prevent issues with delivery by bending the catheter, you cannot bend your leg or attempt to sit up until catheter is removed.
• You are monitored closely for at least 12 hours by our nursing teams.
• Once the medication delivery is complete, the catheter is removed.
• Your nursing team provides home instructions to care for your procedure site and post procedure symptoms.

Care Following Your Procedure

• You should be able to return to your normal activities within 7 to 10 days.
• Follow-up care is a key part of your health. Be sure to make and go to all appointments and call your primary care provider if you have questions.