Objective: The optimal antithrombotic regimen in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is not known, leading to significant variations in antithrombotic treatment protocols in randomized trials and clinical practice. In device trials, antithrombotic regimens in patients receiving peripheral vascular interventions have not been clearly reported on. This review summarizes and discusses the most recent evidence on this topic to provide a potential guide to clinical practice.
Methods: A search of the literature was done for publications that reported outcomes of major PAD device trials. Reported outcomes and various antithrombotic regimens were studied.
Results: Use of antithrombotic therapy varied significantly between various device trials. Reporting of antithrombotic regimens at the time of follow-up is lacking.
Conclusion: Outcome data on optimal antithrombotic regimens are presently lacking largely due to the significant heterogeneity and underreporting of antithrombotic regimens at follow-up among prior clinical trials. Standardization and reporting of precise antithrombotic regimens at various points of follow-up in device trials of patients with PAD should be attempted so as to minimize differences in treatment patterns when evaluating new devices.
Keywords: balloon angioplasty; femoral; peripheral arterial disease; popliteal.