Thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke pathway

Abstract

Thrombolysis of appropriate and selected patients presenting with an acute ischaemic stroke within 3 h of onset with recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator (alteplase, r-TPA) can be implemented safely, reduce long-term disability, and is recommended by the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence and the Department of Health's National Stroke Strategy. We have developed an integrated and comprehensive pathway in order to achieve the above aims, which also provide guidelines for nursing in the peri-acute period and management of complications arising from the ischaemic stroke itself, from thrombolysis or from concomitant hyperglycaemia. © The Royal Society of Medicine Press 2008.