Antiplatelet therapy in percutaneous coronary intervention: latest evidence from randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Antiplatelet therapy is key to reduce systemic and local thrombotic events among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Antiplatelet treatment regimens have been subject to continuous changes over the years, with a dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), consisting of aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor representing the cornerstone of treatment in these patients. RECENT FINDINGS: The need for less aggressive antithrombotic drugs to prevent local ischemic events with newer generation drug-eluting stent together with the increased understanding of the prognostic relevance of bleeding events in PCI patients, have prompted investigations aimed at identifying antiplatelet treatment regimens associated with a more favorable balance between ischemic and bleeding risks. Several key randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on antiplatelet regimens in patients undergoing PCI have been recently reported resulting in updates in practice guidelines. SUMMARY: This manuscript provides an overview of the advancements in the field deriving from key RCTs on antiplatelet regimens in patients undergoing PCI.