The Time Has Come. The Time Is Now. IV Alteplase, Will You Please Go Now?

Abstract

Intravenous alteplase has been the primary thrombolytic agent for the treatment of ischemic stroke for nearly 3 decades, with gradually extending inclusion criteria assessed in a handful of randomized controlled trials. Over the past few years, stroke centers across the globe have gradually changed to tenecteplase as the thrombolytic agent of choice, yet some stroke clinicians are still reluctant to the blanket adoption of this agent.