Tenecteplase Versus Alteplase Before Endovascular Therapy for Ischemic Stroke

Extending the Time for Thrombolysis in Emergency Neurological Deficits - Intra-Arterial Using Intravenous Tenecteplase

Patients presenting to the emergency department with acute ischemic stroke, who are are eligible for standard intravenous tPA therapy within 4.5 hours of stroke onset will be assessed for major vessel occlusion to determine their eligibility for randomization into the trial. If the patient gives informed consent they will be randomised 50:50 using central computerised allocation to intravenous alteplase or tenecteplase before all participants undergo intra-arterial clot retrieval. The trial is prospective, randomised, open-label, blinded endpoint (PROBE) design.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke eligible using standard criteria to receive IV thrombolysis within 4.5 hours of stroke onset
2. Patient's age is ≥18 years
3. Intra-arterial clot retrieval treatment can commence (arterial puncture) within 6 hours of stroke onset.
4. Arterial occlusion on CTA or MRA of the ICA, M1, M2 or basilar artery.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) identified by CT or MRI
2. Rapidly improving symptoms at the discretion of the investigator
3. Pre-stroke mRS score of ≥ 4 (indicating previous disability)
4. Hypodensity in >1/3 MCA territory or equivalent proportion of basilar artery territory on non-contrast CT
5. Contra indication to imaging with contrast agents
6. Any terminal illness such that patient would not be expected to survive more than 1 year
7. Any condition that, in the judgment of the investigator could impose hazards to the patient if study therapy is initiated or affect the participation of the patient in the study.
8. Pregnant women