Table 1.

Selected summary of thrombolytic and endovascular ischemic stroke trials.

Modality	NIHSS base line	Recanalization rate	SICH risk (%)	mRS ≤ 2 at 1 or 3 months (%)	Mortality 1–3 months (%)	Advantages	Disadvantages
*NINDS IV rt-PA	14	30–50%	6.4	40 (mRS ≤ 1)	17 (3 months)	Widely accessible	Narrow time window. Strict eligibility criteria.
*PROACT II IV heparin, 6 h MCA	17	18% TIMI 2 or 3	2	25	27 (3 months)	n/a	n/a
*PROACT II IA pro-urokinase, 9 mg over 2 h	17	66% TIMI 2 or 3	10	40	25 (3 months)	High recanalization rate	Not available
*MELT IA UK, 6 h MCA, n = 57	14	74% (mechanical disruption in 39/57 patients)	9	49	5.3	High recanalization rate	Urokinase not available
*MELT control n = 57	14	n/a	2	39	3.5	n/a	n/a
Posterior circulation ischemic stroke, IA UK, n = 8	23	Available in seven patients. Complete recanalization in two patients; partial recanalization in five	n/a	50	50 (1 month)	High recanalization rate	Urokinase not available
Posterior circulation stroke Control, n = 8	18	n/a	n/a	25	50 (1 month)	n/a	n/a
MERCI n = 141	20	60% (48% device alone)	8	28	44 (3 months)	Good for carotid T occlusions	Need to recath if pass(es) unsuccessful. Steep learning curve in using device.
Multi MERCI n = 164	19	68% (55% device alone)	10	36	34	As above	As above
Penumbra Pivotal n = 125	17	82%	11	25	33 (1 month)	Fast, high recanalization rates
POST n = 157	16	87% (TIMI 2 and III)	6.4	41	20	As above	As above
Angioplasty several studies	Variable	91%	0–3	74		Good for stroke related to ICAD. Fast, high recanalization rates. Inexpensive.	Re-occlusion, risk of vessel rupture.
Extracranial stenting n = 25	14	92%	10	52	12	Good for carotid occlusions; ability to treat tandem lesions	Dislodgment of thrombus as occlusion is crossed
Stent (SARI), n = 20	14	TIMI 3 60%	5	45 (mRS ≤ 1)	25 (1 month)	Good for stroke related to ICAD. Potentially quick deployment.	Obligate adjuvant antiplatelet treatment. Foreign body left behind.		TIMI 2 40%

*Randomized controlled trial.