Definition: A potent blood thinner used by emergency room and stroke doctors to dissolve artery-clogging blood clots, which cause most strokes. tPA dissolves these blood clots and allows blood flow to return to affected areas, thus preventing further brain damage.
Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA)
From Jose Vega M.D., Ph.D., former About.com Guide
Updated May 13, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
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