Intra-arterial Tissue Plasminogen Activator Research Articles

A Remote Consult Retinal Artery Occlusion Diagnostic Protocol

To report a novel protocol for diagnosis of retinal artery occlusions at the point of care using OCT and a remote consult model. Retrospective case series and evaluation of a diagnostic test or technology. Adult patients who presented with painless monocular vision loss and were diagnosed with a nonarteritic retinal artery occlusion. OCT machines were placed in the stroke center or emergency department at 3 hospitals within our health system. Patients who presented with painless monocular vision loss were evaluated by the stroke neurology service and an OCT was acquired. The images were interpreted remotely by the retina service. An in-house ophthalmology consult was not required to make the final treatment decision. Eligible patients were treated with intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator (IA-tPA). Patients were followed by ophthalmology during their admission when an in-house consultation service was available or otherwise evaluated immediately after discharge. Visual acuity (VA) before and after treatment with IA-tPA; time from last known well (LKW) to treatment; and time from presentation to treatment. In the first 18 months since the protocol went live, 59 patients were evaluated. Twenty-five patients (42%) had a confirmed retinal artery occlusion based on OCT and follow-up examination. Ten patients were eligible for treatment, and 9 patients received treatment with IA-tPA. There was a statistically significant improvement in mean VA from logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) 2.14 to logMAR 0.7 within 24 hours after treatment (P= 0.0001) and logMAR 1.04 after 4 weeks (P= 0.01). Clinically significant improvement was noted in 66% of patients within 24 hours and maintained through 1 month in 56% of all treated patients. The mean time to treatment from LKW was 543 minutes and from presentation at the stroke center was 146 minutes. We report the successful implementation of a remote consult protocol using point-of-care automated OCT. This novel paradigm demonstrates the potential utility of remote consult services for the diagnosis of time-sensitive ophthalmic emergencies. Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis to Improve Final Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction Score after Thrombectomy: A Case-Series Analysis

Endovascular thrombectomy is the standard treatment in selected patients with acute ischemic stroke and large vessel occlusion, but continuous improvement in angiographic and clinical outcome is still needed. Intra-arterial thrombolysis has been tested as a possible rescue tool in unsuccessful thrombectomy, or as an adjuvant therapy after the endovascular procedure, to pursue complete recanalization. Here we present a case series analysis of intra-arterial alteplase administration (5 mg bolus, repeated up to 15 mg if Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) scale ≥2c is not achieved) in 15 consecutive anterior circulation stroke patients after unsuccessful thrombectomy, defined as TICI score ≤2b after at least 3 passes or if unsuitable for further endovascular attempts, with the aim of improving recanalization. An improvement of final TICI score was achieved in 10 of 15 patients (66.7%). TICI score ≥2c was achieved after 5 mg intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator (iaTPA) in 4 patients, and after 10 mg iaTPA in 5 cases. Six of 15 patients received 15 mg iaTPA: 1 of 6 showed angiographical improvement. A major effect of intra-arterial alteplase was observed for distally migrated emboli. None of the patients experienced any symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation or other major bleeding. Our report shows, in a very small cohort, a high rate of final TICI score improvement, encouraging the development of randomized controlled trials of rescue intra-arterial thrombolysis in patients with suboptimal angiographic results after mechanical thrombectomy.

Effect of intra-arterial thrombolysis following successful endovascular thrombectomy on functional outcomes in patients with large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke: A post-CHOICE meta-analysis

IntroductionEndovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is the standard treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). Although > 70% of patients in the trials assessing EVT for AIS-LVO had successful recanalization, only a third ultimately achieved favorable outcomes. A “no-reflow” phenomenon due to distal microcirculation disruption might contribute to such suboptimal outcomes. Combining intra-arterial (IA) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and EVT to reduce the distal microthrombi burden was investigated in a few studies. We present a pooled-data meta-analysis of the existing evidence of this combinatorial treatment. MethodsWe followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. We aimed to include all original studies investigating EVT plus IA tPA in AIS-LVO patients. Using R software, we calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). A fixed-effects model was adopted to evaluate pooled data. ResultsFive studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Successful recanalization was comparable between the IA tPA and control groups at 82.9% and 82.32% respectively. The 90-day functional independence was similar between both groups (OR= 1.25; 95% CI= 0.92-1.70; P= 0.154). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) was also comparable between both groups (OR= 0.66; 95% CI= 0.34-1.26; P= 0.304). ConclusionOur current meta-analysis does not show significant differences between EVT alone and EVT plus IA tPA in terms of functional independence or sICH. However, with the limited number of studies and included patients, more randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to further investigate the benefits and safety of combined EVT and IA tPA.

Abstract 9436: Treatment Options for Left Atrial Septal Pouch: A Case Report

Introduction: Left Atrial Septal pouch (LASP) is defined as an incomplete closure between the septum primum and septum secundum with an elongated septum secundum. This produces a crevice in the left atrium that functions as a source for static blood and atrial dissociation. This in turn could progress to the formation of thrombi within the left atrium that has the potential to embolize causing ischemic infarcts. Case Description: Here we present a 63 year old Hispanic female with a past medical history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation on apixaban, recurrent strokes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension who presented with expressive aphasia, and prosopagnosia. Previously, the patient was reported of having two cardioembolic cerebral vascular accidents (CVA). Computed tomography of the brain demonstrated an old infarct of the left posterior parietal lobe. Patient was treated with intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator of the left posterior cerebral artery and right middle cerebral artery. MRI demonstrated four acute punctate infarcts in the left frontal lobe consistent with embolic infarcts. TEE demonstrated a large patent foramen ovale (PFO), a prominent eustachian valve, and LASP. It was determined that her PFO and LASP were the culprit for her recurrent CVA despite appropriate AC. The PFO/LASP were successfully closed with an Amplatzer PFO occluder device. Patient was discharged home. Discussion: The LASP can function as a source of thrombus formation and atrial disassociation, which can cause embolic CVA. No guidelines exist on how to properly address a LASP. One option would be to use a PFO closure device to close LASP. Other options may include AC despite the absence of atrial fibrillation. Conclusions: In conclusion, further studies are necessary in order to establish the most appropriate management in patients with LASP.

Acute Thromboembolism from Trauma in a Patient with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

Case PresentationA 64-year-old man with a history of a 5.5-centimeter (cm) abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) presented to the emergency department (ED) complaining of severe back pain after climbing over a fence and falling a distance of eight feet. Prior to arrival, the prehospital paramedics reported that the patient did not have palpable pulses in either lower extremity. The initial physical examination in the ED was significant for absent dorsalis pedis pulses bilaterally as well as absent posterior tibialis pulses bilaterally and cold, insensate lower extremities. Point-of-care ultrasound identified an approximate 7-cm infrarenal AAA with a mural thrombus present. After receiving several computed tomography (CT) studies including CT head without contrast and CT angiography of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, the patient was diagnosed with acute thrombosis of AAA and associated thromboembolic occlusion of both his right and left distal iliac vessels causing bilateral acute limb ischemia. He immediately received unfractionated heparin and was admitted to the hospital for embolectomy and intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator.DiscussionAcute thrombosis of AAA and subsequent thromboembolic events are a rare but significant complication that can occur in patients with a history of AAA. Thromboembolic events may occur spontaneously or in the setting of blunt abdominal trauma. Common presenting signs and symptoms include distal limb ischemia and absent femoral pulses. Timely management and recognition of this rare complication is vital as this condition can ultimately result in limb loss or death if not treated in a timely manner. Heparinization after confirmation of non-ruptured AAA as well as vascular surgery, and therapeutic and vascular interventional radiology consultations are key steps that should be taken to decrease patient morbidity and mortality.

Abstract P552: Characteristics of Acute Stroke Intervention Therapies During Covid-19

Background and Purpose: We aimed to investigate the characteristics of acute stroke intervention therapies during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: The data were obtained from a comprehensive stroke center in the central region of the state of Kentucky in the United States. Pre-COVID period, which is before the first confirmed case in Kentucky, from January 1 to March 5 , 2020, was compared with the COVID period from March 6 to May 9, 2020. The variables included were total number of stroke alerts, final diagnosis of stroke, stroke severity scale, thrombolysis including intravenous and intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator administration and mechanical thrombectomy. The 2 time periods were compared using nonparametric statistics. Results: Total thrombectomies were increased from median, 3( Interquartile range, 1-7) during pre-COVID period to median of 7( Interquartile range, 2-17, p=0.01) during COVID period. Intravenous thrombolysis and adjunct therapy with intra-arterial thrombolysis did not differ between two time periods. Conclusions: We observed an increase in acute stroke intervention therapies during the surge of COVID-19 cases in Kentucky. This observation could be attributed to the increased association of COVID-19 and acute ischemic stroke.

Intra-Arterial Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion

PurposeTo investigate the benefit of early intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator (IAT) for treatment of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO).Patients and MethodsFifteen eyes of 15 patients presenting with acute CRAO were included in this retrospective consecutive interventional case series. Patients were excluded if treatment with IAT was not initiated within 12 hours. The diagnosis was confirmed by an ophthalmologist. IAT was performed via a transfemoral arterial approach. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) was infused into the ophthalmic artery in aliquots up to 3mg to a maximum of 22mg. Paracentesis was done at the ophthalmologist’s discretion. The primary outcome measure was visual acuity after three weeks. Adverse events were recorded during treatment and follow-up visits.ResultsAfter treatment with IAT, there was a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity, with a mean change of −0.76 (SD 0.91; range −2.4 to 0.85) logMAR (p=0.006). Vision improved by 3 or more lines in 53%, and of these, the mean Snellen visual acuity improvement was >6 lines. Notably, 4 patients (27%) improved from CF or worse to 20/80 or better. The mean dose of tPA used was 17mg and the mean time to treatment was 8.83 hours (range: 5.5 to 12 hours). There were no statistically significant differences based on time to treatment, dose of tPA, or use of a paracentesis. No major adverse events were recorded.ConclusionIAT was safe and showed significant visual improvement in this small uncontrolled study. Larger studies and efforts to decrease time to treatment should be initiated to optimize outcomes.

Intra-Arterial Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator Injection for Salvaging the Free Flap in a Case of Oral Cancer

Intra-Arterial Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator Injection for Salvaging the Free Flap in a Case of Oral Cancer

Intra-arterial thrombolytic therapy for acute anterior spinal artery stroke

Background and importanceSpinal cord infarction is rare but can be extremely disabling. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of these infarcts is important for patient outcomes. While intravenous thrombolytic therapy is a well-established form of treatment in circumstances of cerebral stroke, it has only recently been successfully used in a few incidents of spinal cord ischemia. We present a case of anterior spinal artery (ASA) territory ischemia treated with ASA intra-arterial thrombolytic therapy. Clinical presentationA 52-year-old male presented with acute onset of severe lumbar pain, rapidly progressing paraplegia and loss of pain and temperature sensation, with preservation of proprioception and vibratory sensation at the L1 level and below on the right and at the L3 level and below on the left. MRI showed restricted diffusion involving the cord at and below L1 level, with normal cord T2 signal. Digital subtraction spinal angiography showed ASA cutoff in the descending limb at the level of L1. Intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) combined with verapamil and eptifibatide was administered within the ASA and the patient had significant neurological improvement immediately postoperatively and at 8-month clinical follow-up. ConclusionDirect ASA intra-arterial thrombolysis is feasible, and this drug combination might be an effective therapy for spinal stroke.

Thrombolysis for Central Retinal Artery Occlusion in 2020: Time Is Vision!

Acute nonarteritic central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is an eye stroke with poor visual prognosis and no proven effective therapies. Given advances in acute stroke care, thrombolysis in CRAO merits critical re-examination. We review the evidence for intravenous (IV) and intra-arterial (IA) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in CRAO management. MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane online databases were systematically searched from 1960 to present, for reports of acute IV or IA therapy with alteplase or tenecteplase in nonarteritic CRAO patients. English language case reports, case series, interventional studies, or randomized controlled trials were included. The study type, age and number of subjects, the regimen administered, the time since symptoms' onset, visual outcome, and safety reports were noted. Use of IV thrombolysis with alteplase was reported in 7 articles encompassing 111 patients, with 54% of them receiving IV tPA within 4.5 hours of symptom onset, and none developing symptomatic intracranial or ocular hemorrhage. Six studies described IA alteplase administration, with only 18 of a total of 134 patients (13.4%) treated within the first 6 hours after visual loss. The reported adverse events were minimal. Visual outcomes post-IV and IA thrombolysis were heterogeneously reported; however, most studies demonstrated benefit of the respective reperfusion therapies when administered very early. We found no reports of tenecteplase administration in CRAO. In 2020, nonarteritic CRAO patients should theoretically receive the same thrombolytic therapies, in the same time window, as patients with acute cerebral ischemia. Eye stroke and teleeye stroke code encounters must include an expert ophthalmologic evaluation to confirm the correct diagnosis and to evaluate for ocular signs that may help guide IV tPA administration or IA management. Future research should focus on developing feasible retinal penumbra imaging studies that, similar to cerebral tissue viability or perfusion imaging, can be incorporated into the thrombolysis decision-making algorithm.

Abstract 168: Outcomes of Intra-Arterial Tissue Plasminogen Activator Rescue Therapy During Stroke Thrombectomy-Insights From the STAR Collaboration

Introduction: Intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator (IA-tPA) can be used as rescue therapy during mechanical thrombectomy for stroke patients, mostly in the setting of distal occlusion. The outcomes of IA-tPA has not been assessed in large-scale multi-center studies yet. Methods: We used data from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR), which included prospectively maintained databases of 11 thrombectomy-capable stroke centers in the US, Europe, and Asia. We compared the baseline characteristics, procedural metrics, rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and long-term functional outcomes between thrombectomy patients who received rescue IA-tPA and a control group of thrombectomy patients with matched age, National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) on presentation, location of occlusion and IV-tPA receipt. Results: A total of 2827 thrombectomy patients were included in the STAR registry. Out of those, 205 patients received IA-tPA. We matched 191 patients from the IA-tPA group with a control group of 191 patients (table 1). No difference was seen in age, sex, race, vascular risk factors, or Alberta Stroke Program Early CT (ASPECT) score between both groups. In addition, procedural metrics, including onset to groin time, the procedure duration, and rate of successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score≥2b) were similar. Finally, similar outcomes were noted in both groups, including the rate of sICH and good 90-day functional outcome (modified Rankin scale≤2). Conclusion: The use of IA-tPA as an adjunctive treatment to mechanical thrombectomy was safe but did not result in a higher rate of successful recanalization or good long-term functional outcomes.

Using Intra-arterial tPA for Severe Frostbite Cases. An Observational Comparative Retrospective Study.

Frostbite causes tissue damage through five major mechanisms, out of which two are amenable to treatment. The first-line treatment is rapid rewarming therapy using water at 40°C to 42°C, which addresses the formation of ice crystals in the intra and extra cellular compartments. The second mechanism is progressive tissue ischemia after rewarming and is only accessible to a second-line therapy represented by thrombolysis. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of thrombolysis. This is a single-center retrospective cohort study, where it was aimed to evaluate two groups of patients. A total of 18 patients were included in this study. Mean times between injury to thrombolytic therapy and admission to thrombolytic therapy was 26.04 hours (SD 13.6) and 9.65 hours (SD 9.89), respectively. All patients suffered injuries ranging from second-degree deep to third degree. The rate of patients having complete, partial, and no angiographic responses were 55.6%, 11.1%, and 33.3%, respectively. The main outcome of interest showed that 11 (61.1%) patients in total had amputations at different levels. Results showed that in the intervention group, five (55.6%) of the patients had amputations compared with six (66.7%) from the control group (P = .6) at comparable levels of amputation. The literature supports that the use of intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator might be beneficial for severe cases of frostbites; however, it lacks of studies of major significance and results are often controversial. Our study has not shown statistically significant results on amputation levels and cannot support the hypothesis of efficacy of thrombolytic therapy.

Intra-Arterial Tissue Plasminogen Activator Is a Safe Rescue Therapy with Mechanical Thrombectomy

Intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator (IA-tPA) has been widely used in conjunction with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) or as rescue therapy. Data on the safety of IA-tPA as a rescue therapy are scarce. To report the safety outcome of IA-tPA during MT with respect to hemorrhage and functional outcome. We reviewed our prospectively maintained data and identified patients who received mechanical thrombectomy between November 1, 2014, and January 30, 2018. Collected variables included demographics, comorbidities, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, procedural variables, and outcome variables, which were subjected to a matched and unmatched analysis. Hemorrhagic transformation was classified based on European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study criteria. Functional outcome was assessed based on modified Rankin Scale. A total of 486 patients were treated with MT during the study period, of whom 67 patients received IA tPA as a rescue therapy. IA tPA was used at the discretion of neuroendovascular surgeon if complete recanalization (modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia ≥2c) was not achieved with ADAPT (A Direct Aspiration First Pass Technique) or for distal occlusion that could not be reached with thrombectomy catheters. Both groups did not differ in baseline characteristics, comorbidities, or admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. There was no significant difference in good outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≤2), death, any hemorrhage, or parenchymal hemorrhage type 2 between groups in matched and unmatched analyses. IA-tPA administration during MT was not associated with increased risk of hemorrhage in selected patients with incomplete recanalization after thrombectomy.

Optimal Delay Time of CT Perfusion for Predicting Cerebral Parenchymal Hematoma After Intra-Arterial tPA Treatment.

Background and Purpose: Cerebral hemorrhage is a serious potential complication of stroke revascularization, especially in patients receiving intra-arterial tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) therapy. We investigated the optimal pre-intervention delay time (DT) of computed tomography perfusion (CTP) measurement to predict cerebral parenchymal hematoma (PH) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients after intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment.Methods: The study population consisted of a series of patients with AIS who received intra-arterial tPA treatment and had CTP and follow-up computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI) to identify hemorrhagic transformation. The association of increasing DT thresholds (>2, >4, >6, >8, and >10 s) with PH was examined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and logistic regression.Results: Of 94 patients, 23 developed PH on follow-up imaging. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the greatest area under the curve for predicting PH occurred at DT > 4 s (area under the curve, 0.66). At this threshold of > 4 s, DT lesion volume ≥ 30.85 mL optimally predicted PH with 70% sensitivity and 59% specificity. DT > 4 s volume was independently predictive of PH in a multivariate logistic regression model (P < 0.05).Conclusions: DT > 4 s was the parameter most strongly associated with PH. The volume of moderate, not severe, hypo-perfusion on DT is more strongly associated and may allow better prediction of PH after intra-arterial tPA thrombolysis.

Case Report: Severe Frostbite in Extreme Altitude Climbers—The Kathmandu Iloprost Experience

Severe frostbite occurs frequently at extreme altitude in the Himalayas, often resulting in amputations. Recent advances in treatment of frostbite injuries with either intravenous or intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator, or with iloprost, have improved outcomes in frostbite injuries, but only if the patient has access to these within 24 to 48 h postinjury, and ideally even sooner. Frostbitten Himalayan climbers are seldom able to reach medical care in this time frame. We wished to see if delayed iloprost use (up to 72 h) would help reduce tissue loss in grade 3 to 4 frostbite. In a series of 5 consecutive climbers with severe frostbite in whom we used iloprost, 4 of whom received treatment between 48 and 72 h from injury, 2 had excellent results with minimal tissue loss, and 2 had good results with tissue loss less than expected. The 1 patient with a poor outcome likely experienced a freeze-thaw-refreeze injury. This small series suggests that iloprost can be beneficial for severe frostbite, even after the standard 48-h window and perhaps for up to 72 h.

Safety and Efficacy of the Sofia (6F) PLUS Distal Access Reperfusion Catheter in the Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Neuroendovascular intervention has become a key treatment option for acute ischemic stroke. The Sofia (6F) PLUS catheter was designed for neurovascular access for diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. To report the first series describing use of the Sofia PLUS intermediate/distal access reperfusion catheter in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. In this retrospective study, 41 stroke cases were identified in which the catheter was utilized for thrombolysis/thrombectomy. Mean preprocedure National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 16.5 ± 5.2 (range 4-29). Occluded vessels included the M1 segment, M2 segment, internal carotid artery terminus, cervical internal carotid artery, and basilar artery. Successful positioning of the Sofia PLUS catheter near the occlusion site was achieved in 38 (92.7%) of 41 cases in which thrombectomy or thrombolysis was attempted using intraarterial tissue plasminogen activator, a direct aspiration first-pass technique, and/or stent retrieval. A postprocedure thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score of 2b/3 was achieved in 37 of 41 cases. Of 15 cases where the Sofia PLUS was used for a direct aspiration first-pass technique, TICI 2b/3 was achieved in 11 (73.3%). In one case where intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator was used as the only treatment modality, TICI 2a was achieved. No device-related or catheter-related complications were observed. The mean 7-d-postprocedure National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score among the 39 survivors was 8.5 ± 7.3 (range 0-23). Initial results with use of the Sofia (6F) PLUS for endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke have been encouraging. Experience with a larger series is warranted to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of this device and compare it with other reperfusion catheters.

Adjuvant intra-arterial rt-PA injection at the initially deployed solitaire stent enhances the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke

BackgroundBoth intra-arterial recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) and stent retrieval are effective for treating acute ischemic stroke. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of stent retrieval combined with intra-arterial rt-PA administration via micro-catheter (called the complex technique) in acute ischemic stroke. Material and methodsA retrospective analysis was performed of 93 consecutive patients treated between 2015 and 2017 for occlusions of the intracranial large artery using the complex technique (n=37) or stent retrieval alone (n=56) in our stroke center. Data on procedure duration, number of passes, and angiographic findings were collected. Successful recanalization was defined as the accomplishment of grade 3 or 2b modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia recanalization in 1 or 2 passes. ResultsCompared to the stent retrieval group, complex technique group had a higher successful revascularization rate with 1 or 2 passes with the stent retriever (81.1% versus 51.8%, P=0.004), a shorter procedure time (59±34min versus 94±56min, P<0.001), fewer passes of the stent retriever (1.8±1.1 versus 2.5±1.4, P=0.012), a better prognosis (70.3% versus 48.2%, P=0.035), a lower embolic complication rate (18.9% versus 39.3%, P=0.038), similar mortality (13.5% versus 21.4%, P=0.334) and similar intracranial hemorrhage symptoms (2.7% versus 12.5%, P=0.204). Intra-arterial rt-PA administration was an independent negative predictor of procedure time (OR=−0.292, P=0.003). ConclusionMechanical thrombectomy utilizing stent retrieval combined with intra-arterial rt-PA administration in the anterior circulation of acute ischemic stroke patients improved the angiographic results and shortened the procedure duration without increasing adverse events.

Enhancing Hepatic Microcirculation in Postoperative Hepatic Failure With Intra-arterial Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator Treatment.

Postoperative hepatic failure is one of the most severe complications after liver resection. Treatment protocols have varied from medical support to liver transplant. Here, we describe the clinical course of an 18-year-old female patient with postoperative hepatic failure. The combined use of intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator infusion and concurrent liver support facilities resulted in successful treatment of postoperative hepatic failure. The role of thrombolytic treatment for postoperative hepatic failure may include future placement in routine treatment protocols, as seen in liver transplant.

Intraarterial TPA alone versus intravenous TPA alone for treating acute ischemic stroke

Whether intra-arterial (IA) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) or intravenous (IV) tPA treatment is more effective for treating acute ischemic stroke is unclear

The evolution of the Helsinki frostbite management protocol

BackgroundSevere frostbite can result in devastating injuries leading to significant morbidity and loss of function from distal extremity amputation. The modern day management approach to frostbite injuries is evolving from a historically very conservative approach to the increasingly reported use of early interventional angiography and fibrinolysis with tPA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of our frostbite treatment protocol introduced 3 years ago. MethodsAll frostbite patients underwent first clinical and then Doppler ultrasound examination. Angiography was conducted if certain clinical criteria indicated a severe frostbite injury and if there were no contraindications to fibrinolysis. Intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) was then administered at 0.5–1mg/h proximal to the antecubital fossa (brachial artery) or popliteal fossa (femoral artery) if angiography confirmed thrombosis, as well as unfractionated intravenous heparin at 500 units/h. The vasodilator iloprost was administered intravenously (0.5–2.0ng/kg/min) in selected cases. Results20 patients with frostbite were diagnosed between 2013–2016. Fourteen patients had a severe injury and angiography was performed in 10 cases. The total number of digits at risk was 111. Nine patients underwent fibrinolytic treatment with tPA (including one patient who received iloprost after initial non response to tPA), 3 patients were treated with iloprost alone and 2 patients received neither treatment modality (due to contraindications). The overall digital salvage rate was 74.8% and the Hennepin tissue salvage rate was 81.1%. One patient developed a catheter-site pseudoaneurysm that resolved after conservative treatment. ConclusionsPrompt referral to a facility where interventional radiology and 24/7 laboratory services are available, and the combined use of tPA and iloprost, may improve outcome after severe frostbite.