Dual Antiplatelet Therapy after PCI: When Could We Go Shorter?

Abstract

The optimal duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains an important clinical question in interventional cardiology. Several clinical and angiographic variables are associated with an increased risk for thrombotic events, and prolonged DAPT duration may improve long term clinical outcome. However, some patients also present high bleeding risk (HBR) characteristics and may require a shorter DAPT duration. The guidelines recommendations consider the data from randomized clinical trials, however numerous exclusion criteria may create gaps in the evidence leading to uncertainties, the need for expert opinion and patient level decision making. Furthermore, the stent platforms have evolved in such way that opportunities now exist to shorten duration of DAPT. This chapter will review the variables associated with ischemic and bleeding risks as well as different stent platforms to help clinicians optimize DAPT duration in patients undergoing PCI.