Update on antithrombotic therapy after percutaneous coronary revascularisation.

ABSTRACT

For relief of coronary obstruction, percutaneous coronary intervention has become a standard-of-care procedure over the past 40 years. Nonetheless, optimal outcomes after coronary stenting require careful attention to antithrombotic therapy. This review aims to summarise the current available evidence and discusses how to integrate scientific knowledge into clinical decisions. In recent years, improvement and modifications of drugs and devices have changed the field tremendously, and substantially benefitted patient outcomes. The key challenge of how to provide optimal protection against thrombotic events without excessive increases in bleeding risk has remained the same for decades. Alternative strategies with new drugs, both antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents, and new coronary stents will continue the journey to achieve this ultimate goal.