Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 2026

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
10:28

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function

Published on: March 15, 2022

Clopidogrel before elective percutaneous coronary intervention

Zuzana Motovska1, Petr Widimsky

  • 1Charles University, Cardiocentre University Hospital Vinohrady, Srobarova 50, 100 34 Prague 10, Czech Republic. zuzana.motovska@iex.cz

Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|October 1, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) significantly improved coronary artery disease treatment. Antiplatelet therapy, including clopidogrel, is crucial for preventing stent thrombosis after PCI, though further research is needed.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has transformed coronary artery disease management.
  • Stent thrombosis is a critical early complication following PCI.
  • Antiplatelet therapy is essential post-stent implantation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the established role of clopidogrel in patients undergoing PCI.
  • To identify remaining clinical questions regarding clopidogrel use in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Review of randomized controlled trials.
  • Analysis of observational studies.
  • Synthesis of existing clinical evidence on clopidogrel.

Main Results:

  • Clopidogrel is a cornerstone of antiplatelet therapy after PCI.
  • Numerous studies have defined its efficacy and safety profile.
  • Specific clinical scenarios and patient subgroups require further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Clopidogrel plays a vital role in mitigating stent thrombosis risk post-PCI.
  • Ongoing research is necessary to address unresolved questions and optimize its clinical application.

Related Concept Videos

Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors01:20

Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors

Antiplatelet drugs emerge as frontline defenders against the insidious threat of thromboembolic diseases, where abnormal clots obstruct vital blood vessels. These drugs stand as bulwarks, inhibiting platelet aggregation and clot formation, thereby mitigating the risk of life-threatening conditions like myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and thrombotic strokes.
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview01:28

Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview

Cardiac catheterization is an invasive diagnostic technique used to identify and evaluate structural and functional diseases of the heart and major blood vessels. This technique diagnoses congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, and coronary spasms and assesses ventricular function. It helps guide treatment decisions, including the need for revascularization procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and...
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:27

Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management01:26

Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management

Nursing responsibilities before cardiac catheterization include:Assess for allergies and establish baseline health status.Before cardiac catheterization, assess the patient for allergies to contrast dye. Perform a comprehensive baseline assessment, including vital signs, heart and breath sounds, and a neurovascular assessment of the extremities, noting distal pulses, skin color, and temperature. Instruct the patient to fast for 8-12 hours before the procedure. Evaluate baseline laboratory...