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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
Published on: March 15, 2022
[Antithrombotic therapy during percutaneous coronary interventions]
F W A Verheugt1, H Dieker, W R M Aengevaeren
1Universitair Medisch Centrum St Radboud, afd. Cardiologie, Postbus 9101 6500 HB Nijmegen. f.verheugt@cardio.umcn.nl
Insights
Antithrombotic therapy, including aspirin, clopidogrel, and heparin, is crucial for preventing complications during percutaneous coronary interventions. Extended clopidogrel use is recommended for patients with drug-eluting stents.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antithrombotic therapy is vital for preventing peri-procedural death and myocardial infarction during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).
- Commonly used agents include aspirin, clopidogrel, and heparin for patients undergoing angioplasty or stenting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the essential role and common agents of antithrombotic therapy in percutaneous coronary interventions.
- To specify indications for glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists and extended clopidogrel use.
Main Methods:
- Review of current antithrombotic strategies in percutaneous coronary interventions.
- Identification of key pharmacological agents and their specific indications.
Main Results:
- Aspirin, clopidogrel, and heparin are standard antithrombotic agents for PCI.
- Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists are indicated for high-risk patients and specific acute coronary syndromes.
- Extended clopidogrel duration (beyond 30 days) is recommended for drug-eluting stents.
Conclusions:
- Appropriate antithrombotic therapy selection and duration are critical for optimizing outcomes in PCI.
- Tailoring antithrombotic regimens based on patient risk and stent type improves safety and efficacy.
Abstract:
Antithrombotic therapy is essential during percutaneous coronary interventions for the prevention of peri-procedural death and myocardial infarction. The most commonly used agents are aspirin, clopidogrel and heparin in patients treated by percutaneous angioplasty or receiving an arterial stent. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists such as abciximab are indicated during percutaneous interventions in high-risk-patients as well as, in principle, in all patients with an acute coronary syndrome with ST-segment elevation undergoing primary percutaneous angioplasty. In patients with so-called drug-eluting stents, clopidogrel should be continued for several months longer than the usual 30 days.
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