Download PDF
Semin intervent Radiol 2005; 22(2): 80-87
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-871862
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Use of Antiplatelet Inhibitors in Peripheral Vascular Interventions

S. William Stavropoulos1 , Richard D. Shlansky-Goldberg1
  • 1Division of Interventional Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
28 June 2005 (online)

Also available at
   Buy Article Permissions and Reprints
Zoom Image

ABSTRACT

In the past decade, a tremendous amount of information has been gathered about platelet function and its impact on percutaneous vascular interventions. Strategies for prevention of platelet aggregation have moved beyond aspirin administration. Powerful oral antiplatelet agents such as ticlopidine (Ticlid) and clopidogrel (Plavix) have been developed to prevent platelet aggregation and thrombosis. The discovery of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor, which is responsible for platelet aggregation, has led to the development of receptor antagonists. These drugs include abciximab (ReoPro), eptifibatide (Integrilin), and tirofiban (Aggrastat). Several large studies have demonstrated that these drugs can improve outcomes in coronary interventions. Because most of the data regarding antiplatelet agents in percutaneous interventions comes from studies of coronary interventions, knowledge of these studies is necessary before using the antiplatelet drugs in peripheral vascular interventions. This article reviews the use of these agents in percutaneous coronary artery interventions and discusses their potential use in peripheral interventions.

KEYWORDS

Blood - platelets - arteries - transluminal angioplasty - thrombosis - drugs