Editing Thrombosis (section)

==== Embolization ====
{{Further|Embolus}}
A thrombus may become detached and enter circulation as an [[Embolism|embolus]], finally lodging in and completely obstructing a blood vessel, which unless treated very quickly will lead to tissue necrosis (an [[infarction]]) in the area past the occlusion. Venous thrombosis can lead to pulmonary embolism when the migrated embolus becomes lodged in the lung. In people with a "shunt" (a connection between the pulmonary and systemic circulation), either in the heart or in the lung, a venous clot can also end up in the arteries and cause arterial embolism.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}

Arterial embolism can lead to obstruction of blood flow through the blood vessel that is obstructed by it, and a lack of oxygen and nutrients ([[ischemia]]) of the downstream tissue. The tissue can become irreversibly damaged, a process known as [[necrosis]]. This can affect any organ; for instance, arterial embolism of the brain is one of the causes of stroke.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}