Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a clot-dissolving drug (thrombolytic agent). Most strokes are caused by blood clots; therefore, when patients are given tPA they have a higher rate of survival and full-functional recovery. And tPA is the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the urgent treatment of ischemic stroke.

On a national average, only 3 - 8 % of ischemic stroke patients receive tPA (Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Registry). At California Pacific Medical Center an average of 24% of our ischemic stroke patients receive tPA clot-busting medication.