Expert Application of Lifesaving Therapy
Tissue
plasminogen activator (tPA) is an intravenous medicine given for ischemic stroke – a stroke caused by
a blood clot – that can dissolve the stroke-causing clot. Studies show that
people who receive tPA within 3 hours – up to 4.5 hours in some patients – have
better and more complete recoveries.
tPA is
the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for acute
ischemic stroke. Administering it quickly is critical because when brain cells
don’t receive blood they die, affecting brain function. In some patients, tPA
can restore blood flow to the brain within just a few minutes.
As the
only Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center in North Texas – and one of only two
in the state – UT Southwestern is recognized for our exceptional level of
expertise in rapidly diagnosing strokes and providing effective treatments based
on the latest research and the highest standards of care.
Treatment With Tissue Plasminogen
Activator (tPA)
Most
hospitals can apply tPA to break down the blood clot that’s causing the
ischemic stroke if the patient qualifies and is within the three-hour window
since symptoms began.
The drug can
be administered intravenously (IV tPA) or directly to the site of the blockage
in the brain through a catheter inserted via the groin. This intra-arterial
approach is especially beneficial for patients who have recently had surgery,
are on blood thinners, or might have missed the critical three-hour window.
Patients
who are given tPA at a local hospital might be transferred to a higher-level
stroke center such as UT Southwestern for further treatment and rehabilitation.