Abstract

Antiplatelet drugs gradually replace anticoagulants in patients subjected to coronary artery stenting. The purpose of this paper is to present our own experiences associated with combined treatment with ticlopidine and aspirin. From June 1995 until December 1996 118 patients were subjected to placement of 127 coronary stents in our laboratory (including 58 PS, 52 GR II, 11 Wiktor and 6 NIR stents). The procedure was performed in planned course in 101 patients, while in 17 patients - in situation threatening of sudden occlusion of coronary artery (bail-out) or in its factual occurrence. All patients were treated with 10 000 IU of heparin IV, Aspirin 250 mg/day PO and Ticlopidine 2i250 mg. If the stent implantation was a planned course procedure, ticlopidine had been started three days before. If the decision was made during the angioplasty, the patient was treated with 500 mg during the procedure of stent placement. The drug was administered for 30 days unless side effects occurred. PS 153 and NIR stents were distended under high pressure of 16-18 Atm, Wiktor and GR II of 8-13 atm. No systematic ICUS control was conducted. None of the patients who had successful stent implantation had haemorrhagic complications or thrombosis symptoms. During 8-month follow-up period clinical symptoms of restenosis occurred in 10 cases, out of which 7 in the stent and 3 before or after it, as diagnosed on a control coronarography. Conclusion: Ticlopidine and Aspirin combined treatment provides good immediate and long term effect in coronary stent implantation, irrespective of the course of the procedure.

Keywords: Angioplasty, coronary stent implantation, antiplatelet treatment