Rivaroxaban plus aspirin after lower-extremity revascularization

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Vascular Surgery
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Peripheral revascularization patients face high rates of adverse cardiac and limb events.
• Current antiplatelet therapy is insufficient for risk reduction.
• Optimizing antithrombotic strategies is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review rivaroxaban's profile.
• To summarize efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban plus aspirin post-revascularization.
• To examine barriers to adopting this combination therapy.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent large, randomized trials.
• Analysis of drug profiles and clinical data.
• Examination of societal guideline recommendations.

Main Results:

• Rivaroxaban plus aspirin reduces cardiac and limb events.
• This combination maintains an acceptable bleeding profile.
• Current guidelines have not incorporated this evidence.

Conclusions:

• Rivaroxaban plus aspirin is the only regimen shown to reduce both cardiac and limb events post-peripheral revascularization.
• Updating societal guidelines is urgently needed.
• Further research on dual antiplatelet therapy is warranted.