PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Alexander G Chartrain AU - Hazem Shoirah AU - Edward C Jauch AU - J Mocco TI - A review of acute ischemic stroke triage protocol evidence: a context for discussion AID - 10.1136/neurintsurg-2018-013951 DP - 2018 Nov 01 TA - Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery PG - 1047--1052 VI - 10 IP - 11 4099 - http://jnis.bmj.com/content/10/11/1047.short 4100 - http://jnis.bmj.com/content/10/11/1047.full SO - J NeuroIntervent Surg2018 Nov 01; 10 AB - Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is now the standard of care for eligible patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) secondary to emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO). However, there remains uncertainty in how hospital systems can most efficiently route patients with suspected ELVO for EVT treatment. Given the relative geographic distribution of centers with and without endovascular capabilities, the value of prehospital triage directly to centers with the ability to provide EVT remains debated. While there are no randomized trial data available to date, there is substantial evidence in the literature that may offer guidance on the subject. In this review we examine the available data in the context of improving the existing AIS triage systems and discuss how prehospital triage directly to endovascular-capable centers may confer clinical benefits for patients with suspected ELVO.