[Intra-arterial thrombolysis of the middle cerebral artery: an overview].

Until 1996, treatment of strokes consisted exclusively of efforts to prevent recurrence. The development of intravenous and intra-arterial thrombolysis changed the approach to a causal therapy. This article provides an overview of state-of-the-art intravenous and intra-arterial therapeutic concepts and attempts to define the position of the local intra-arterial fibrinolysis approach.