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Zack Wheeler Undergoes Successful Blood Clot Dissolving Procedure
Published:
Zach Wheeler update from the Phils:
PHILLIES MEDICAL UPDATE ON ZACK WHEELER
Right-handed pitcher Zack Wheeler underwent a successful thrombolysis procedure to remove a blood clot in his right upper extremity this morning by Dr. Paul DiMuzio at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
Further treatment and a subsequent timeline of recovery for Wheeler is to be determined.
We are not doctors but we do have Google, which says that a “thrombolysis” procedure is dissolving of the blood clot.
Here’s how it’s explained by Penn Medicine:
Thrombolysis, also known as thrombolytic therapy or fibrinolytic therapy, is a treatment that dissolves blood clots to restore normal blood flow. This approach is used in emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes, and severe blood clots in the lungs or legs. Thrombolytic drugs, sometimes called clot-busting therapy, are administered through an intravenous (IV) line or directly into the blood clot through a catheter. By quickly breaking down the clot, thrombolysis can help prevent damage to tissues and organs.
There’s a section further down that says “your recovery will depend on your situation and the type of treatment you received. Depending on your condition, you might go home the same day or stay in the hospital longer.” It notes that you are supposed to avoid “strenuous activities,” like mowing down the Florida Marlins. Seems like one of the risks is internal bleeding, and bleeding at the injection site. Definitely sounds like something you don’t want to screw around with. Hopefully there’s an outlook provided at some point, since it’s just TBD for now.
UPDATE – there’s this:
Kevin has been writing about Philadelphia sports since 2009. He spent seven years in the CBS 3 sports department and started with the Union during the team's 2010 inaugural season. He went to the academic powerhouses of Boyertown High School and West Virginia University. email - k.kinkead@sportradar.com