Treatment & Procedures

Medications

Clot-dissolving medications, such as a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) are effective in dissolving clots and reopening arteries. Because most of the damage caused by an ischemic stroke occurs in the first few hours, clot-dissolving medications are vital in increasing chances for a full recovery.

IA-tPA Intra-Arterial Therapy
Intra-arterial therapy is an option for some patients who missed the three-hour IV-tPA treatment window or who are not candidates for IV-tPA therapy for other reasons. IA-tPA therapy involves placing a small catheter in the blood clot to directly deliver clot-busting medication to open the artery.