Balancing hemostasis and thrombosis in interventional vascular medicine and surgery.

Overview

Antithrombotic therapy and revascularization are critical factors in managing patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes and are described in multiple guidelines documents. In addition to preventing intravascular thrombosis, they increase the risk of bleeding, which has been implicated as a risk factor in short- and long-term mortality. Randomized controlled trials provide useful aggregate information comparing the risks and benefits of various therapies. In this paper, we will use a case-based format to discuss optimal individualized antithrombotic treatments.