tPA in acute ischemic stroke: United States experience and issues for the future

The approval of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for treatment of patients with ischemic stroke in the United States marked the first therapy proven to reverse or limit the effects of an acute stroke. Despite this approval and the lack of an alternative therapy, the use of tPA in stroke has been quite low. Several explanations for this underutilization have been identified, including lack of patient awareness, potential complications, infrastructure deficiencies, and physician concerns. This article explores these issues and suggests strategies for improving the use of tPA as an acute therapy in stroke.