Dual Antiplatelet Therapy after Drug-Eluting Stents — How Long to Treat?

The rationale behind dual antiplatelet therapy after successful stenting is based upon two indications. First, the stented segment requires protection from stent thrombosis that occurs as a result of inflammation during healing. Second, the areas inside and outside the stented section require protection from the development of progressive atherosclerosis and plaque rupture. The first of these two problems is of less concern with drug-eluting stents, especially second- and third-generation drug-eluting stents.1,2 However, the second issue continues to be important. The most effective duration of dual antiplatelet therapy for preventing both stent thrombosis and spontaneous myocardial infarction, while limiting bleeding . . .