Intravenous thrombolysis during inter-hospital transfer of acute stroke patients is safe and efficient

Background: Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in acute stroke is increasingly performed in community hospitals. In selected cases such as persistent basilar artery occlusion (BAO) consecutive endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) may be indicated. However, this treatment option demands transfer to specialized stroke centres. We prospectively investigated safety and efficiency of IVT during earthbound inter-hospital transfer of acute stroke patients. Patients and methods: Starting in 2006, we implemented a prospective treatment protocol for acute stroke patients, by which IVT was started in near-by cooperating…