Hospital medicine (London, England : 1998)
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Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA, also known as alteplase; Actilyse) is the first and only licensed thrombolytic approved for use in acute ischaemic stroke in the UK. This article reviews the evidence for the role of rt-PA in acute stroke management and how it may improve long-term clinical outcome for selected patients as part of a comprehensive stroke service.