Thrombolytic therapy for stroke with the introduction of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) was a god-send to stroke physicians, since it meant that morbidity and mortality could be reduced with the optimal use of t-PA. Professor Bogousslavsky and the contributors provide the reader their personal perspectives on the evidence-based uses of various thrombolytic and anti-thrombotic agents that are available and that can provide successful outcomes. Everyone working in the casualty and emergency room must read this up-to-date, thoroughly referenced, clearly-written text: it is de rigeur.

Table of Contents

History of Antithrombotic Treatment in Stroke. Antiplatelet Agents. Anticoagulants. Fibrinolytics. The Vessel Wall in Thrombosis. Thrombus Formation and Resolution. Thrombosis, Atherothrombosis, Thromboembolism in Etiology of Stroke. Antithrombotic/thrombolytic Clinical Trials in Cardiology: An Overview. Study Design for Antithrombotic Treatment Trials in Stroke: Mistakes and Lessons. Heparin, Heparinoids, Low-molecular Weight Heparin in Acute Stroke. Aspirin in Acute Stroke. GpIIb/IIIa Inhibitors in Acute Stroke. New Antithrombotics and Their Potential Use. Fibirin Degradating Drugs in Acute Stroke. Intravenous Thrombolysis: The Studies and the Facts. Complications of Thrombolysis. New Analyses of ECASS and NINDS. The Implementation of Thrombolytic Treatment for Stroke in Routine Practice. Imaging Brain Tissue Salvage from Brain Reperfusion. To Select or Not Select. IA Thrombolysis. Ultrasound-enhanced Lysis. Various Combined Approaches: Present and Future. Antithrombotic Therapy and Stenting. Antithrombotic and Thrombolytic Treatment in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis, Arterial Dissection and Special Conditions. The Role of Thrombolytics in Hemorrhagic Stroke.