Objective To investigate the efficacy of combined intravenous rt-PA and free-radical scavengen (edaravone) on Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods Eighty-nine subjects with ultra-acute ischemic stroke were assigned to the group treated with intravenous rt-PA and another group treated with a combination of intravenous rt-PA and edaravone. The NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Barthel Index (BI) in 30 days and 90 days after thrombolysis were compared between two groups. Results There were statistically significant differences between the group of rt-PA thrombolysis and the group of combined with rt-PA and edaravon in the ratio of NIHSS 0-1 of 30 days after therapy (25.0% vs35.6%, χ2=8.259,P=0.041) and 90 days (27.3%vs 40.0%, χ2=9.158,P=0.027),as well as in the proportion of BI 95-100 of the same time points(30 days:20.5%vs33.3%,χ2=8.833,P=0.032;90 days:25.O%vs37.8%,χ2=8.221,P=0.042).The rates of hemorrhagic conversion and mortality in two groups were similar. Conclusion rt-PA combined with free radical scavenger edaravone safely and effectively decreases the loss of neurofunctions and reserves more self-dependence capability in patients with acute ischemic stroke 30 days and 90 days after treatments.