Takeaway
In large vessel occlusion (LVO), treatment with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), then transfer to a comprehensive stroke center (i.e., drip and ship [DS]) is effective for providing mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in rural areas where admission to comprehensive stroke centers (i.e., direct to center [DTC]) is not available.
Why this matters
While most hospitals are capable of IVT initiation, MT is performed in specialized centers that are often not immediately accessible.
These patients can be treated through DS or by transferring a neurointerventionalist to the patient (i.e., drip and drive), but there are no clear data on effectiveness of treatment regimens.