Intraosseus route for thrombolysing acute stroke is safe and successful

Abstract

Summary Use of intraosseous route in thrombolysis of acute stroke patients remains a rare entity. Here, we describe the first such case within UK of a 55-year-old female patient of acute stroke who was thrombolysed with Alteplase administered through intraosseous (IO) route. She initially presented to A&E with severe dysarthria dysphasia and left sided weakness with an NIHSS-8. Failing acquisition of an intravenous access an IO vascular access was secured and thrombolysis was administered She improved remarkably and had no complications. The challenge faced in this case, of acquiring an effective access within the time frame and safely administering the Alteplase without any local or systemic complications was well met with a favourable outcome. IO is an established method of obtaining vascular access in children and adults in acute emergency situations. It can be used for effective thrombolysis in acute stroke patients.