Use of tPA Within 3 Hours of Arrival
This measure tracks acute ischemic stroke patients who arrive at the hospital Emergency Department within 120 minutes (2 hours) of onset of stroke symptoms who receive IV tPA within 180 minutes (3 hours) of onset of stroke symptoms. Strong Memorial Hospital uses tPA to treat ischemic stroke patients when appropriate, according to national guidelines.
| National Average (GWTG†) | State Average (GWTG†) | Strong Memorial Hospital 12-month Average* (GWTG†) |
Strong Memorial Hospital Latest Quarter** |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/2008 - 6/2009 | 7/2008 - 6/2009 | 7/2008 - 6/2009 | 7/2009 - 9/2009 | |
| N/A | 76% | 85% | 100% | |
| *Comparison to national and state averages **Contains data for a more recent quarter not yet represented in state and national averages †Data based on Get With the Guidelines®, a quality program of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association |
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Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. Disruption in blood flow is caused when either a blood clot or piece of plaque blocks one of the vital blood vessels in the brain (ischemic stroke), or whena blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into surrounding tissues (hemorrhagic stroke).
Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA, (also known as a "clot-buster" medication) is currently the only agent approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating acute ischemic stroke. tPA should be administered within three hours of onset of acute ischemic stroke in patients who meet certain eligibility requirements.
tPA is not generally used for hemorrhagic stroke or in those who may experience bleeding problems because it may increase bleeding. A CT scan or MRI of the brain is needed to quickly determine if an individual is having an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke.
The pooled results of three major tPA trials confirmed that early stroke treatment is strongly associated with favorable stroke outcomes.
