The term intraventricular thrombolysis refers to the intraventricular administration of a thrombolytic medication such as alteplase. This procedure may be used in cases of extensive hemorrhage in the ventricular system. Intraventricular administration is performed via an external ventricular drain.
The benefits of intraventricular thrombolysis are controversially discussed in the literature. In the CLEAR-III trial, no significantly better functional outcome could be demonstrated in 500 patients, while the risk profile of intraventricular thrombolysis was low1.
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