Name of the Procedure:

Common Names: IV t-PA Administration, Thrombolytic Therapy Technical/Medical Term: Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator (t-PA) administration

Summary

Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV t-PA) is a treatment to dissolve blood clots that can cause strokes. The medication is administered within three hours (≤ 180 minutes) from the time the patient was last known to be well, to restore blood flow to the brain.

Purpose

IV t-PA is used for the treatment of ischemic stroke, where a blood clot obstructs a vessel supplying blood to the brain. The primary goal is to dissolve the clot quickly to minimize brain damage and improve the chances of a full recovery.

Indications

IV t-PA is indicated for patients who have:

• Symptoms of an ischemic stroke, such as sudden numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, or loss of coordination.
• Experienced these symptoms within the past three hours (≤ 180 minutes).
• No recent history of bleeding or head trauma.
• Adequate understanding and consent for the procedure.

Preparation

• Quick medical assessment, including a physical examination and medical history review.
• Immediate brain imaging, usually a CT scan, to confirm ischemic stroke and exclude hemorrhage.
• Assessment of blood pressure and blood tests to determine clotting function.
• Obtain informed consent from the patient or legal representative.

Procedure Description

1. Once eligibility is confirmed, an IV line is established.
2. The dose of t-PA is calculated based on the patient’s weight.
3. t-PA is administered intravenously, typically over one hour. The first 10% of the dose is given as a bolus over one minute, and the remaining 90% is infused over the next hour.
4. Vitals, neurological status, and any signs of complications are monitored continuously.

Duration

The infusion of t-PA typically takes about one hour, with preparation and monitoring extending the total time to around 2-3 hours.

Setting

The procedure is performed in an emergency department or an intensive care unit (ICU) in a hospital.

Personnel

• Emergency room physicians or neurologists specializing in stroke care.
• Nurses trained in stroke management.
• Radiologists and CT technicians for imaging.
• Pharmacists for medication preparation.
• Laboratory technicians for blood tests.

Risks and Complications

Common risks include:

• Minor bleeding, such as at the injection site. Rare but serious risks:
• Major bleeding, including intracerebral hemorrhage.
• Allergic reactions.
• Irregular heart rhythms. Management of complications involves immediate cessation of t-PA and supportive medical care, including reversal agents if necessary.

Benefits

• The primary benefit is the rapid dissolving of the blood clot, which can significantly reduce the severity of a stroke and improve the likelihood of a full recovery.
• Benefits are often noticed within hours to days as blood flow improves and brain function begins to return.

Recovery

• Close monitoring in a hospital setting for at least 24 hours post-administration.
• Neuro checks and possibly continuation of other stroke treatments or secondary prevention.
• Follow-up appointments with a neurologist and further rehabilitation may be needed.

Alternatives

• Mechanical thrombectomy: A procedure to physically remove the clot using catheter-based techniques.
• Antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications: For those not eligible for t-PA.
• Pros and cons involve evaluating the timing, patient condition, and access to appropriate facilities and expertise.

Patient Experience

During the procedure:

• Patients may feel anxious but will generally not feel the medication being administered.
• Discomfort may occur from the IV line insertion. After the procedure:
• Close monitoring in the ICU might feel uncomfortable but is necessary.
• Pain management strategies will be applied if needed.
• Experience improvement in symptoms promptly and will be encouraged by healthcare providers throughout the recovery process.