Russian hospital pioneers life-saving thrombosis treatment with no ICU stay

Doctors at Yekaterinburg's City Clinical Hospital No. 40 have introduced a new treatment for venous thrombosis. The procedure, called catheter-directed thrombolysis, uses a specialised catheter to deliver clot-dissolving drugs directly into the blockage. It is a minimally invasive method that restores blood flow and reduces the risk of long-term complications. The hospital has also expanded its services with a new 'green zone' for walk-in and referral-based care. In just three weeks, 512 patients have already been treated there. The zone supports the Sverdlovsk Oblast Ministry of Health’s push to meet the goals of Russia’s 'Long and Active Life' national project.

The therapeutic window for catheter-directed thrombolysis has been extended to 21 days after thrombosis. This flexibility has already benefited four patients under 30, saving them from leg amputations in the past fortnight. The procedure does not require an ICU stay, long hospitalisation, or lengthy rehabilitation.

Physicians are now urging residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience sudden, severe leg pain along with other symptoms. The new treatment and expanded services aim to improve patient outcomes. The 'green zone' provides faster access to care, while the extended window for thrombolysis offers more time for effective intervention. These changes are part of broader efforts to enhance healthcare in the region.