What is the term used for the treatment that dissolves an unwanted blood clot?

Thrombolysis refers specifically to the medical procedure that aims to dissolve unwanted blood clots that can occur in blood vessels, such as in cases of heart attacks or strokes. This treatment involves the use of thrombolytic agents, which are medications that break down fibrin, the main component of blood clots. By targeting the clot directly, thrombolysis can restore normal blood flow, reducing tissue damage and improving patient outcomes.

Other methods, such as thrombectomy, involve physically removing a clot rather than dissolving it, while coagulation therapy focuses on managing blood coagulation and preventing further clot formation, but does not actively dissolve existing clots. Embolization is a technique that involves blocking a blood vessel to stop blood flow, which doesn't align with the goal of dissolving a clot. Thus, thrombolysis is the correct term for the treatment that specifically targets the dissolution of blood clots.