Antithrombotic Therapy After Revascularization in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease: What Is Here, What Is Next.

OBJECTIVE: The optimal antithrombotic regimen in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is not known, leading to significant variations in antithrombotic treatment protocols in randomized trials and clinical practice. In device trials, antithrombotic regimens in patients receiving peripheral vascular interventions have not been clearly reported on. This review summarizes and discusses the most recent evidence on this topic to provide a potential guide to clinical practice. METHODS: A search of the literature was done for publications that reported outcomes of major PAD device trials. Reported outcomes and various antithrombotic regimens were studied. RESULTS: Use of antithrombotic therapy varied significantly between various device trials. Reporting of antithrombotic regimens at the time of follow-up is lacking. CONCLUSION: Outcome data on optimal antithrombotic regimens are presently lacking largely due to the significant heterogeneity and underreporting of antithrombotic regimens at follow-up among prior clinical trials. Standardization and reporting of precise antithrombotic regimens at various points of follow-up in device trials of patients with PAD should be attempted so as to minimize differences in treatment patterns when evaluating new devices.

Antiplatelet Therapy in Coronary Artery Disease: A Daunting Dilemma.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stenting for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the contemporary standard of care. Such treatment is followed by dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) comprising of aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor. The efficacy of this therapy has been well established but the optimal duration of DAPT remains elusive, and has thus far attracted a prodigious deal of scientific attention. The decision regarding DAPT duration can be clinically challenging in the modern era with the evolution of newer stents, more potent antiplatelet agents, and novel anticoagulant drugs in addition to an older patient population with multiple comorbidities. Major societal guidelines have emphasized comprehensive assessment of ischemic and bleeding risk, in turn recommending individualization of DAPT duration, thus encouraging "shared decision making". The following review is aimed at critically evaluating the available evidence to help make these crucial clinical decisions regarding duration of DAPT and triple therapy.