This study analyzed the efficacy and safety of the “drip, ship, and retrieve (DSR)” approach used to improve patient access to thrombectomy for acute stroke. Methods: The study participants were 45 patients who underwent thrombectomy following intravenous tissue plasminogen activator between September 2013 and August 2015. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they were transferred from another hospital (DSR group; n = 33) or were brought in directly (Direct group; n = 12). The two groups were compared based on their baseline characteristics, time from stroke onset to reperfusion, outcome, and adverse events. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics. Time from onset until admission to our facility was significantly shorter in the Direct group (56.9 min) than in the DSR group (163.5 min) (P <0.0001). Conversely, time from arrival at the hospital to arterial puncture was significantly shorter in the DSR group (25.0 min) than in the Direct group (109.5 min) (P <0.0001). Time from onset to reperfusion did not differ significantly between the groups. There was no significant difference in patient outcomes, with a modified Rankin scale score of 0–2 (44.8% in DSR group versus 48.7% in Direct group). Moreover, there was no difference in the incidence of adverse events. Discussion: Despite the time required to transfer patients in the DSR group between hospitals, reducing the time from arrival until commencement of endovascular therapy meant that the time from onset to reperfusion was approximately equivalent to that of the Direct group. Conclusion: Time-saving measures need to be taken by both the transferring and receiving hospitals in DSR paradigm.

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