Optimal Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is an essential component of treatment in patients with coronary artery disease treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Recommendations for duration of DAPT after PCI should consider patient-specific risk, clinical presentation, stent characteristics, and procedural factors. Prolonged DAPT results in a reduction of stent thrombosis (ST) and myocardial infarction (MI) at the cost of increased bleeding. Studies of shorter-duration DAPT demonstrate similar mortality, MI, ST, and less bleeding when compared with longer DAPT duration. We review current evidence for strategies of prolonged DAPT and abbreviated DAPT following PCI.