Abstract 1122‐000137: Characteristics and Utilization of Acute Reperfusion Therapy after Transfer of In‐Hospital LVO Strokes

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahul Rao ◽  
Conor Kelly ◽  
Shashvat Desai ◽  
Ashutosh Jadhav
Keyword(s):  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Reperfusion Therapy ◽  
Artery Occlusion ◽  
Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Primary Stroke Center ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Iv Tpa

Introduction : Acute repercussion therapy for acute ischemic stroke is a crucial tool in the tertiary care setting for patients presenting with large vessel occlusion (LVO). While strokes that present from the community have favorable outcomes compared to in‐hospital strokes, it is unclear if this is because of greater access to endovascular therapy. We aim to characterize the utilization of endovascular reperfusion therapy for in‐house LVO and compare outcomes of in‐house LVOs to those presenting from the community. Methods : From the period of December 2013 to December 2019, all stroke patients with an LVO who presented to a primary stroke center (“spoke” hospital) who were transferred to a comprehensive stroke center (“hub”) were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to compare baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes. Results : A total of 181 in‐house strokes were transferred from a peripheral center to our comprehensive stroke center. About 16% (29) received IV‐tPA at the OSH and 2 additional patients received IV‐tPA at the CSC [17%; n = 31]. 163 patients harbored an intracranial acute vessel occlusion. Anterior LVO (ICA, M1,M2) and basilar artery occlusion was observed in 64% (n = 116) patients and 6% (n = 11) patients, respectively [Total LVO‐ 70%; n = 127]. 20% (n = 27) of LVO received IV‐tPA and 72% (n = 91) of LVO underwent thrombectomy. Reasons for not receiving included symptoms improved (25%), repeat imaging made reperfusion inadvisable (72.2%) and poor baseline (2.8%). Rates of mRS 0–2 in patients with ICA/M1/M2 receiving EVT were 13% (13/100) and the mortality rate was 45% (46/103). Rates of mRS 0–2 were significantly lower [13% vs 38%, p<0.01] and mortality was significantly higher [45% vs 18%, p<0.01] amongst anterior LVO in‐house transfer patients receiving EVT compared to all anterior LVO patients receiving EVT in the given time period. Conclusions : A relatively large proportion of in‐house LVO stroke patients underwent thrombectomy (70%). Most common cause of not receiving thrombectomy was imaging findings showing completed or large infarct. Compared to their community stroke counterparts, in‐house LVO strokes had lower efficacy outcomes and higher mortality. Further study in required to understand these findings.

scholarly journals Does stroke etiology influence outcome in the posterior circulation? An analysis of 107 consecutive acute basilar occlusion thrombectomies

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. E7
Author(s):  
Roberta K. Sefcik ◽  
Daniel A. Tonetti ◽  
Shashvat M. Desai ◽  
Stephanie M. Casillo ◽  
Michael J. Lang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Artery Occlusion ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽  
Common Mechanism ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center

OBJECTIVE Acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) harbors a more guarded prognosis after thrombectomy compared with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion. Whether this is a function of a greater proportion of atherosclerotic/intrinsic lesions is not well studied. The authors aimed to elucidate the prevalence and predictors of intracranial intrinsic atherosclerotic disease in patients with acute BAO and to compare angiographic and clinical outcomes between patients with BAO secondary to embolic versus intrinsic disease. METHODS A prospectively maintained stroke database was reviewed for all patients presenting between January 2013 and December 2019 to a tertiary care academic comprehensive stroke center with acute, nontandem BAO. Patient data were extracted, subdivided by stroke mechanism and treatment modality (embolic [thrombectomy only] and intrinsic [thrombectomy + stenting]), and angiographic and clinical results were compared. RESULTS Of 107 patients, 83 (78%) had embolic occlusions (thrombectomy only) and 24 (22%) had intrinsic disease (thrombectomy + stenting). There was no significant difference in patient age, presenting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, time to presentation, selected medical comorbidities (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation), prior stroke, and posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score. Patients with intrinsic disease were more likely to be active smokers (50% vs 26%, p = 0.04) and more likely to be male (88% vs 48%, p = 0.001). Successful recanalization, defined as a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grade of 2b or 3, was achieved in 90% of patients and did not differ significantly between the embolic versus intrinsic groups (89% vs 92%, p > 0.99). A 90-day good outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0–2) was found in 37% of patients overall and did not differ significantly between the two groups (36% vs 41%, p = 0.41). Mortality was 40% overall and did not significantly differ between groups (41% vs 36%, p = 0.45). CONCLUSIONS In the current study, demographic and clinical results for acute BAO showed that compared with intrinsic disease, thromboembolic disease is a more common mechanism of acute BAO, with 78% of patients undergoing thrombectomy alone. However, there was no significant difference in revascularization and outcome results between patients with embolic disease and those with intrinsic disease.

Effect of “drip-and-ship” and “drip-and-drive” on endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion: a single-center retrospective study

2021 ◽  
pp. 028418512110068
Author(s):  
Yu Hang ◽  
Zhen Yu Jia ◽  
Lin Bo Zhao ◽  
Yue Zhou Cao ◽  
Huang Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Primary Stroke Center ◽  
Secondary Endpoints ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center

Background Patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO) were usually transferred from a primary stroke center (PSC) to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) for endovascular treatment (drip-and-ship [DS]), while driving the doctor from a CSC to a PSC to perform a procedure is an alternative strategy (drip-and-drive [DD]). Purpose To compare the efficacy and prognosis of the two strategies. Material and Methods From February 2017 to June 2019, 62 patients with LVO received endovascular treatment via the DS and DD models and were retrospectively analyzed from the stroke alliance based on our CSC. Primary endpoint was door-to-reperfusion (DTR) time. Secondary endpoints included puncture-to-recanalization (PTR) time, modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) rates at the end of the procedure, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. Results Forty-one patients received the DS strategy and 21 patients received the DD strategy. The DTR time was significantly longer in the DS group compared to the DD group (315.5 ± 83.8 min vs. 248.6 ± 80.0 min; P < 0.05), and PTR time was shorter (77.2 ± 35.9 min vs. 113.7 ± 69.7 min; P = 0.033) compared with the DD group. Successful recanalization (mTICI 2b/3) was achieved in 89% (36/41) of patients in the DS group and 86% (18/21) in the DD group ( P = 1.000). Favorable functional outcomes (mRS 0–2) were observed in 49% (20/41) of patients in the DS group and 71% (15/21) in the DD group at 90 days ( P = 0.089). Conclusion Compared with the DS strategy, the DD strategy showed more effective and a trend of better clinical outcomes for AIS patients with LVO.

How do treatment times impact on functional outcome in stroke patients undergoing thrombectomy in Germany? Results from the German Stroke Registry

2021 ◽  
pp. 174749302098526
Author(s):  
Juliane Herm ◽  
Ludwig Schlemm ◽  
Eberhard Siebert ◽  
Georg Bohner ◽  
Anna C Alegiani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Poor Functional Outcome ◽  
Stroke Registry ◽  
Primary Stroke Center ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Center Time

Background Functional outcome post-stroke depends on time to recanalization. Effect of in-hospital delay may differ in patients directly admitted to a comprehensive stroke center and patients transferred via a primary stroke center. We analyzed the current door-to-groin time in Germany and explored its effect on functional outcome in a real-world setting. Methods Data were collected in 25 stroke centers in the German Stroke Registry-Endovascular Treatment a prospective, multicenter, observational registry study including stroke patients with large vessel occlusion. Functional outcome was assessed at three months by modified Rankin Scale. Association of door-to-groin time with outcome was calculated using binary logistic regression models. Results Out of 4340 patients, 56% were treated primarily in a comprehensive stroke center and 44% in a primary stroke center and then transferred to a comprehensive stroke center (“drip-and-ship” concept). Median onset-to-arrival at comprehensive stroke center time and door-to-groin time were 103 and 79 min in comprehensive stroke center patients and 225 and 44 min in primary stroke center patients. The odds ratio for poor functional outcome per hour of onset-to-arrival-at comprehensive stroke center time was 1.03 (95%CI 1.01–1.05) in comprehensive stroke center patients and 1.06 (95%CI 1.03–1.09) in primary stroke center patients. The odds ratio for poor functional outcome per hour of door-to-groin time was 1.30 (95%CI 1.16–1.46) in comprehensive stroke center patients and 1.04 (95%CI 0.89–1.21) in primary stroke center patients. Longer door-to-groin time in comprehensive stroke center patients was associated with admission on weekends (odds ratio 1.61; 95%CI 1.37–1.97) and during night time (odds ratio 1.52; 95%CI 1.27–1.82) and use of intravenous thrombolysis (odds ratio 1.28; 95%CI 1.08–1.50). Conclusion Door-to-groin time was especially relevant for outcome of comprehensive stroke center patients, whereas door-to-groin time was much shorter in primary stroke center patients. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03356392 . Unique identifier NCT03356392

Abstract TP3: What Hospital Characteristics Drive Faster Thrombectomy For Emergent Large Vessel Occlusion (ELVO)?

Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Tarpley ◽  
Lindsay Lucas ◽  
Joseph T Ho ◽  
Renee Ovando ◽  
Elizabeth Baraban
Keyword(s):  
Arrival Time ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Reperfusion Therapy ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Stroke Registry ◽  
Primary Stroke Center ◽  
Treatment Volume ◽  
Transferred Patients ◽  
Stroke Center

Introduction: Recent thrombectomy trials for ELVO have reverberated the importance of speed in reperfusion therapy. Identifying hospital practices and features associated with faster door to thrombectomy times is critical to evolving our hospital systems to effectively deliver this powerful therapy. Methods: A multi-hospital, Get with the Guidelines stroke registry was used to identify AIS patients who received intra-arterial (IA) intervention between January 2012 and May 2016. Transferred patients were excluded since their door to reperfusion times don’t typically include a primary evaluation. Patients were categorized as having door to reperfusion (Door-to-IA) time over 135 minutes or Door-to-IA time below or equal to 135 minutes. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify which of the following variables were associated with Door-to-IA times over 135 minutes: age, gender, IV alteplase treatment, admit NIHSS score, patient arrival time to hospital, hospital certification (primary stroke center (PSC) versus comprehensive stroke center (CSC)), hospital annual IA treatment volume, and hospital annual percentage of transfers for thrombectomy. Results: We identified 229 AIS patients from ten hospitals who received IA intervention between January 2012 and May 2016. Of those, 49% (n=113) had Door-to-IA times over 135 minutes and 51% (n=116) had Door-to-IA time below or equal to 135 minutes. Patients with Door-to-IA times over 135 minutes were more likely to be older (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.02 per year; p=.040), treated at a PSC (AOR = 2.26; p=.028), and treated at a hospital with a higher percentage of transfers (AOR = 1.08 per percentage point; p<.001). IV-alteplase treatment, gender, NIHSS, patients’ arrival time and volume were not significant. Conclusion: Comprehensive stroke centers had shorter Door-to-IA times than Primary Stroke Centers in our system. However, hospital annual IA treatment volume did not impact Door-to-IA and centers with larger transfer volume actually had worse Door-to-IA times for patients evaluated and treated locally. This suggests that high volume centers with a larger volume of transferred patients may have tuned their practices to treating transfers rather than treating local ELVO patients.

Abstract MP35: Blood Pressure Reductions Before Arrival at a Thrombectomy-Capable Hospital Are Associated With Neurologic Worsening in Patients With Large-Vessel Occlusion

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Kobsa ◽  
Ayush Prasad ◽  
Alexandria Soto ◽  
Sreeja Kodali ◽  
Cindy Khanh Nguyen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Good Outcome ◽  
Primary Stroke Center ◽  
Poor Outcomes ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Radiographic Data

Introduction: Decreases in blood pressure (BP) during thrombectomy are associated with infarct progression and worse outcomes. Many patients present first to a primary stroke center (PSC) and are later transferred to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) to undergo thrombectomy. During this period, important BP variations might occur. We evaluated the association of BP reductions with neurological worsening and functional outcomes. Methods: We prospectively collected hemodynamic, clinical, and radiographic data on consecutive patients with LVO ischemic stroke who were transferred from a PSC for possible thrombectomy between 2018 and 2020. We assessed systolic BP (SBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) at five time points: earliest recorded, average pre-PSC, PSC admission, average PSC, and CSC admission. We measured neurologic worsening as a change in NIHSS (ΔNIHSS) from PSC to CSC >3 and functional outcome using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge and 90 days. Relationships between variables of interest were evaluated using linear regression. Results: Of 91 patients (mean age 70±16 years, mean NIHSS 12) included, 13 (14%) experienced early neurologic deterioration (ΔNIHSS>3), and 34 (37%) achieved a good outcome at discharge (mRS<3). We found that patients with good outcome had significantly lower SBP at all five assessed time points compared to patients with poor outcome (Figure 1, p<0.05). Percent change in MAP from initial presentation to CSC arrival was independently associated with ΔNIHSS after adjusting for age, sex, and transfer time (p=0.03, β=0.27). Conclusions: Patients with poor outcomes have higher BP throughout the pre-CSC period, possibly reflecting an augmented hypertensive response. Reductions in SBP and MAP before arrival at the CSC are associated with neurologic worsening. These results suggest that BP management strategies in the pre-CSC period to avoid large reductions in BP may improve outcomes in patients affected by LVO stroke.

Abstract TP248: Reduced Door-in-Door-Out Time Increases the Likelihood of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Large Vessel Occlusion Patients

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kavit Shah ◽  
Shashvat Desai ◽  
Benjamin Morrow ◽  
Pratit Patel ◽  
Habibullah Ziayee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Carotid ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Large Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Endovascular Thrombectomy ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Rapid Transfer

Introduction: Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is recommended for patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) presenting within 24 hours of last seen well (LSW). Unfortunately, patients transferred from spoke hospitals to receive EVT have poorer outcomes compared to those presenting directly to the hub, underscoring the importance of rapid transfer timing - door-in-door-out (DIDO). Methods: Data were analyzed from consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients with proximal large vessel occlusions (LVO) transferred to our comprehensive stroke center for EVT. The following variable were studied: DIDO, baseline NIHSS/mRS, presentation CT ASPECTs, site of LVO, treatment, and clinical outcome. Results: Ninety patients with internal carotid or middle cerebral artery (M1) occlusion at the spoke hospital were included in the study. At the hub hospital, 75% (68) underwent emergent cerebral angiography (DSA) with intent to perform EVT. Reasons for not undergoing angiography at hub hospital included large stroke burden (59%) and improvement in NIHSS score (41%). Overall, DIDO time was 184 (130-285) minutes. Mean DIDO time was significantly lower for patients who underwent DSA at hub hospital compared to patients who did not (207 versus 272 minutes, p=0.031). 92% (12) of patients with DIDO <=120 minutes (n=13) underwent EVT compared to 73% (56) of patients with DIDO >120 minutes (n=77). Every 30-minute delay after 120 minutes lead to a 6% reduction in the likelihood of EVT. Lower DIDO time [OR-0.92 (0.9-0.96), p=0.04] and higher ASPECTS score [OR-1.4 (1.1-1.9), p=0.013] at spoke hospital are predictors of EVT at hub hospital. Conclusion: Reduced DIDO times are associated with higher likelihood of receiving EVT. DIDO should be treated on par as in-hospital time metrics and methods should be in place to optimize transfer times.

Abstract WP340: Impact of Increasing Primary Stroke Center Transfers on Comprehensive Stroke Center Capacity

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Holl ◽  
Andy Cai ◽  
Lauren Ha ◽  
Alin Hulli ◽  
Melina Paan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systems Of Care ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Capacity Limits ◽  
Transfer Rates ◽  
Primary Stroke Center ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Systems Of Care ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Occupancy Rates ◽  
Bed Occupancy Rates

Introduction: Given the time-sensitive benefits of acute stroke (AS) treatments, stroke systems of care must balance reducing door-in-door-out (DIDO) time at primary stroke centers (PSCs) with capacity limits at comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs). For example transferring more AS patients earlier in the process (e.g., prior vascular imaging for large vessel occlusion) from PSCs would result in more inappropriate transfers to CSCs that could overburden these centers.We conducted a simulation to estimate the balance between increased AS transfers from PSCs to CSCs and the percent of CSC time on “bypass” (inability to accept transfers to neuro-ICU). Methods: Clinicians from 3 Chicago-area CSCs and 3 affiliated PSCs and the Chicago Emergency Medical Services (EMS) created a PSC DIDO process map. We assumed CSC time on bypass is affected by AS and non-AS admissions from the CSC and from the affiliated PSCs. Input data were obtained fromtheChicago region registry (e.g., # PSC to CSC transfers), peer reviewed literature (US average transfer rate of AS patients to CSCs), EMS (PSC-CSC affiliations), and CSCs (e.g., average bed occupancy rates). CSC size was estimated by #neuro-ICU beds: small (12 beds), medium (23 beds), and large (28 beds). The simulation output was % time of CSC on “bypass”. Results: Table shows % time of CSC on bypass by varying PSC AS transfer rates for each category of CSC size. Larger increases in PSC transfer rates resulted in modest increases in CSC bypass rates, particularly for medium and large CSCs. Validation with data from one CSC showed < 4% overestimate of CSC % time on bypass. Conclusion: CSCs with more beds have efficiencies of scale leading to lower % time on bypass, even with increases in PSC AS transfer rates proportionate to CSC size. This model allows stroke systems of care to compute regional CSCs’ % time on bypass based on actual PSCs’ transfer rates and CSC size.

Abstract 1122‐000091: Predictors of Symptomatic Hemorrhagic Transformation After Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anqi Luo ◽  
Agnelio Cardenas ◽  
Lee A Birnbaum
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Hemorrhagic Transformation ◽  
Current Standard ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Iv Tpa

Introduction : Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become the current standard of care for large vessel occlusion stroke but is associated with an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Although several studies have investigated the risk factors, there is still limited, not well‐established data. This study aims to evaluate the risk factors of HT after MT. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed all MT patients who were treated at a single comprehensive stroke center from 12/2016 to 7/2019. Variables included initial NIHSS, blood glucose, initial systolic blood pressure, age, gender, IV tPA, time from door to recanalization, and TICI score. Outcome measures were HT on post‐procedure or 24‐hour post‐tPA head CT/MRI as well as modified Rankin scale (mRS) upon discharge. Results : Among 74 patients (68.8 ± 14 years, men 47.3%), 9 (12.2%) experienced hemorrhagic transformation after thrombectomy. Average admitting NIHSS was significantly higher in the HT group (22 vs 16.8, p = 0.041). TICI 3 after MT was protective for HT (OR 0.078, 95% CI 0.009‐0.663). IV tPA (OR 3.86, 95% CI 1.448‐10.326) was associated with good neurological outcome at discharge (mRS < = 2), but HT was not (OR 0.114, 95% CI 0.013‐0.964). Patients with mRS < = 2 upon discharge were younger (65.2±12 vs 71.9±15, p = 0.04) and had lower initial BG (124±45.8 vs 157±69.6, P = 0.02). Conclusions : TICI 3 score, decreased NIHSS, and lower BG were associated with less HT and better outcomes in our MT cohort. Admitting NIHSS > = 20 may be a reasonable threshold to predict HT after MT. Our findings are consistent with the TICI‐ASPECTS‐glucose (TAG) score to predict sICH; however, we used initial NIHSS as a surrogate for ASPECTS. Further studies may utilize additional quantitative measures such as CTP data to predict HT.

Abstract TP292: Telestroke vs Phone Consultation in Stroke Patients Eligible for Intra-Arterial Therapy

Stroke ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Osteraas ◽  
James Conners ◽  
Shawna Cutting ◽  
Sarah Song ◽  
Laurel Cherian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Female Gender ◽  
Large Vessel ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Vessel Occlusion ◽  
Telephone Consultation ◽  
Transfer Programs ◽  
Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽  
Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽  
Stroke Center ◽  
Mean Time

Background and Objective: Intra-arterial therapy (IA) is beneficial for acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusions who have received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IVtPA). Telestroke has not been associated with increased IVtPA utilization rates when compared to phone consultations. We sought to determine whether telestroke improved the process of evaluation and transfer of patients who may be eligible for intra-arterial therapy (IA). Methods: The Rush telestroke program consists of an academic hub (comprehensive stroke center) that serves 10 spoke emergency departments (EDs). For sites outside of the telestroke program, the patient receives telephone consultation from the same pool of telestroke neurologists. IA therapy is considered for patients clinically suspected of having a large vessel occlusion who could potentially be treated with IA within 6 hours of last known normal (LKN). We compared IA eligible stroke patients transferred via the telestroke program to those non-telestroke transfer patients. Results: From July 1, 2013 to July 1, 2015, 126 patients were transferred from outside hospital ERs to our institution for potential IA; 6 patients were excluded for non-stroke diagnosis. Among 119 patients, 79 (66%) were evaluated via telestroke and 40 (34%) via phone consultation. There was no difference between groups for age (63.3 vs 59.3 years, p=0.14) female gender (52% vs 58%, p=0.70), hypertension (66% vs 78%, p 0.21), atrial fibrillation (27% vs 20%, p=0.50), initial arrival NIHSS (17 vs 19, p=0.12), frequency of IA (66% vs 55%, p=0.31), mean time from LKN to IVtPA administration (139 vs 138 minutes, p=0.96), mean time from IVtPA administration to arrival (106 vs 94 minutes, p=0.31), and mean time from arrival to IA start (35 vs 31 minutes, p=0.44). More patients who were evaluated via telestroke received TPA compared to those evaluated via phone (80% vs 63%, p<0.05). Conclusions: Telestroke improves the evaluation of IA eligible stroke transfer patients by increasing the rates of IVtPA compared with telephone consultation alone. Comprehensive stroke centers may benefit patients by incorporating telestroke systems into their IA transfer programs.

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