How could ultraslow low-dose thrombolytic infusion regimes affect high thrombosis resolution rates in prosthetic valve thrombosis?

Abstract

Introduction: Prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) is a life-threatening complication of mechanical heart valve replacement. Management has evolved over decades, from urgent surgical intervention to low dose ultraslow thrombolytic therapy.

Areas covered: This review provides a historical to present-day analysis of thrombolytic strategies in PVT, comparing accelerated dosing with slower infusion protocols. We synthesize clinical evidence and elucidate mechanistic insights into how infusion rate and dosage influence clot resolution and safety. We searched the PubMed database from inception to May 2025 using combinations of appropriate keywords.

Expert opinion: The development of lower dose, slower infusion protocols, notably using Alteplase without bolus, has dramatically improved outcomes. Clinical trials show comparable or superior thrombosis resolution rates with ultraslow infusion versus rapid infusion or surgery, but with markedly reduced complication rates. Mechanistically, ultraslow infusion may help to localize fibrinolysis to the thrombus site, minimizing systemic fibrinogen depletion and hemorrhagic risk. Ultraslow (25 hours) low-dose (25 mg) thrombolysis with Alteplase is a safe and effective first-line therapy for PVT patients, achieving high success in clot resolution while limiting bleeding and embolic complications. Ongoing evidence and mechanistic rationale suggest that, in the absence of contraindications, this strategy can often be preferable to traditional rapid high-dose thrombolysis or emergency surgery.