Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2025
Interventional Diagnostic Procedure: A Practical Guide for the Assessment of Coronary Vascular Function
Published on: March 15, 2022
Bridging With Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Versus Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery
Syed Javaid Iqbal1, Zulfiqar Qutrio Baloch2, Jahanzeb Malik1
1Department of Cardiovascular Research, Cardiovascular Analytics Group, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Insights
For patients needing noncardiac surgery after percutaneous coronary intervention, low-molecular-weight heparin bridging therapy balances thrombotic and bleeding risks. This review summarizes evidence to guide clinical decisions for optimal antithrombotic management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have elevated thrombotic event risk.
- Noncardiac surgery (NCS) is frequently required in patients with prior PCI.
- Balancing antithrombotic therapy risks (thrombosis vs. bleeding) is clinically challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) bridging therapy for NCS post-PCI.
- To evaluate efficacy and safety of antithrombotic strategies in this population.
- To guide clinical decision-making for improved patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature.
- Analysis of studies on LMWH bridging therapy in NCS patients with prior PCI.
- Evaluation of thrombotic and bleeding event rates.
Main Results:
- Current evidence on LMWH bridging efficacy and safety in NCS post-PCI is limited.
- Data highlights variability in outcomes and management strategies.
- Further research is needed to optimize antithrombotic therapy.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive evidence summary aids clinicians in managing antithrombotic therapy.
- Optimizing LMWH bridging requires addressing current evidence gaps.
- Improved patient outcomes depend on informed clinical decision-making.
Background:
This review article discussed the use of bridging therapy with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) in patients who undergo noncardiac surgery (NCS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Hypotheses:
Patients who undergo PCI are at an increased risk of thrombotic events due to their underlying cardiovascular disease. However, many of these patients may require NCS at some point in their lives, which poses a significant challenge for clinicians as they balance the risk of thrombotic events against the risk of bleeding associated with antithrombotic therapy.
Results:
This review evaluates the current evidence on the use of bridging therapy with LMWH in patients undergoing NCS after PCI, focusing on outcomes related to the efficacy and safety of antithrombotic therapy. The article also discusses the limitations of the current evidence and highlights areas where further research is needed to optimize the management of antithrombotic therapy in this patient population.
Conclusion:
The goal of this review was to provide clinicians with a comprehensive summary of the available evidence to guide clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
01:30Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins