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Updated: Apr 14, 2026

Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
Published on: March 15, 2022
Primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction in a patient taking
Insights
This case study presents the first emergency coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention in a ST-elevation myocardial infarction patient on dabigatran for atrial fibrillation. The patient experienced no bleeding complications, suggesting feasibility of these procedures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Optimal management for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients on chronic oral anticoagulation is unclear.
- Therapeutic anticoagulation is crucial for conditions like atrial fibrillation but complicates emergency cardiac procedures.
Observation:
- A case of STEMI in a patient on dabigatran for atrial fibrillation requiring emergency coronary angiography and primary percutaneous coronary intervention is reported.
- The patient underwent successful procedures without any bleeding complications.
Findings:
- This represents the first reported instance of successful emergency coronary angiography and primary percutaneous coronary intervention in a STEMI patient on dabigatran.
- The patient's outcome suggests that these interventions are feasible in this high-risk population.
Implications:
- This case provides valuable preliminary data for interventional cardiologists managing STEMI patients on oral anticoagulants.
- Further research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines for periprocedural anticoagulation management in these patients.
Abstract:
Interventional cardiologists have few data on which to base clinical decisions regarding optimal care for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients who are taking therapeutic chronic oral anticoagulation. We present what we believe to be the first reported case of emergency coronary angiography and primary percutaneous coronary intervention in an ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patient who was on a dabigatran regimen for atrial fibrillation. The patient tolerated the procedures well and had no observable bleeding sequelae. In addition to the patient's case, we discuss the current evidence regarding the periprocedural management of oral anticoagulation in patients who need coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention.
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