Statins Exert Multiple Beneficial Effects on Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Revascularization Procedures

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Statins are an essential component of the therapeutic approach of patients with atherosclerotic disease. Statin use is also associated with improved peri-operative and long-term outcomes in these patients. We aimed to define the role of statin treatment in patients undergoing percutaneous revascularization procedures. LITERATURE SEARCH METHOD: We searched Medline for studies assessing the effect of statin treatment on percutaneous interventions. LITERATURE SEARCH RESULTS: Early statin treatment is associated with improved outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention procedures. Current evidence implies that statin treatment may also play a beneficial role in the management of patients undergoing percutaneous renal artery revascularization and endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, carotid angioplasty/stenting and endovascular peripheral arterial interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary data suggest that statins exert multiple beneficial actions in patients undergoing percutaneous interventions. Future randomized trials are expected to further evaluate the beneficial effects of statins in these procedures.