Thrombolysis also may be associated with an increased risk of complications in patients who are pregnant or at an advanced age, and in people with other conditions. Patients who undergo thrombolysis have a small risk of infection (less than one in 1,000) as well as a slight risk of an allergic reaction to the contrast dye that may be needed for imaging. Besides risk of serious internal bleeding, other possible risks include:
The most serious possible complication is intracranial bleeding, which is potentially fatal. But this complication is rare. Bleeding in the brain that causes stroke occurs in less than 1% of patients.
- Bruising or bleeding at the access site
- Damage to the blood vessel
- Migration of the blood clot to another part of vascular system
- Kidney damage in patients with diabetes or other pre-existing kidney disease