A network meta-analysis of the antithrombotic strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation and percutaneous coronary interventions: Focus on bleeding

Optimal management of high bleeding risk patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions: Where do we stand?

Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are the mainstay of treating obstructive coronary artery disease. However, procedural planning and individualization of the procedure is necessary for different patient phenotypes to optimize outcomes. Specifically, post-PCI pharmacotherapy with antiplatelets complicates the management of patients at high bleeding risk due to comorbidities, such as atrial fibrillation. Aiming to limit post-procedural adverse events and reduce the procedure-related bleeding risk, several novel technologies and hypotheses have been tested in clinical practice. Such frontiers include limiting the duration of dual antiplatelet therapy or even prescribing single regimens, using drug-coated balloons for performing the intervention and the effect of imaging-guided PCI in optimizing stent expansion. Furthermore, specific instruction in different patient phenotypes, such as atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease, are emerging, as despite both pathologies being considered at high bleeding risk, one size does not fit all. Thus, our review will provide all the recent updates on the field as well as algorithms and expert opinions on how to manage this, particularly common, phenotype of patient.

Comparative safety review of antithrombotic treatment options for patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

INTRODUCTION

Balancing antithrombotic therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains a clinical challenge due to coexisting thrombogenic risks. This review emphasizes the delicate balance required to prevent ischemic events while minimizing bleeding complications, particularly in the context of risk assessment.

AREAS COVERED

This review spans from 2010 to October 2023, exploring the complexities of antithrombotic management for AF patients undergoing PCI. It stresses the need for personalized treatment decisions to optimize antithrombotic therapies effectively.

EXPERT OPINION

The evolving evidence supports double antithrombotic therapy (DAT) over triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT) for these patients, showcasing a more favorable safety profile without compromising efficacy. Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC)-based DAT strategies exhibit superiority in reducing major bleeding events while effectively preventing ischemic events. Recommendations from the 2023 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines advocate for NOAC-based DAT post-PCI, endorsing safer antithrombotic profiles.Challenges persist for specific patient categories requiring both oral anticoagulants and antiplatelets, necessitating personalized approaches. Future advances in intravascular imaging and novel coronary stent technologies offer promising avenues to optimize outcomes and influence antithrombotic strategies in AF-PCI patients.