Code Stroke: rapid transport, triage and treatment using rt-PA therapy. The NINDS rt-PA Stroke Study Group

J Neurosci Nurs. 1997 Dec;29(6):361-6. doi: 10.1097/01376517-199712000-00005.

Abstract

With the approval of rt-PA therapy for ischemic stroke, stroke care has acutely transitioned from focusing on rehabilitative services to emergency services. This treatment, which must be initiated within the first three hours after the onset of stroke symptoms, requires reorganization of current management approaches. Developing a Code Stroke Team facilitates this process and helps to identify potential thrombolysis candidates. A pathway to deliver rapid care begins with 911 notification and transport, emergency department triage and procedures, and moves through the initiation of thrombolytic therapy. We call this pathway "Code Stroke".

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Contraindications
  • Critical Pathways*
  • Emergency Treatment / methods*
  • Humans
  • Patient Care Team / organization & administration*
  • Patient Selection
  • Plasminogen Activators / therapeutic use*
  • Recombinant Proteins / therapeutic use*
  • Time Factors
  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator / therapeutic use*
  • Triage / methods*

Substances

  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Plasminogen Activators
  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator