Dual-antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is required after percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents (DESs) to prevent thrombotic complications, particularly stent thrombosis (ST). However, there is still disagreement regarding the optimal duration of DAPT post-DES placement. Compared to bare metal stents, DESs are known to reduce restenosis and target vessel revascularization but may be more prone to late and very late ST due to delayed endothelialization. Several trials have suggested that longer (>12 months) DAPT reduces ischemic events but does so at the cost of increased bleeding. Other trials have demonstrated non-inferiority of shorter (3 to 6 months) DAPT compared to long-term DAPT, with fewer bleeding events. The clinical challenge is how to balance the reduced ischemic risk with increased bleeding associated with longer DAPT. Furthermore, ST is associated with multiple patient- and procedure-specific factors, thereby limiting a "one-size-fits-all" approach to determining optimal duration of DAPT. The evaluation of DAPT duration should therefore be tailored individually. We will review the data supporting current recommendations for DAPT and recent clinical trials comparing varying DAPT durations and discuss patient- and procedure-specific factors affecting the "optimal" DAPT duration.
Keywords: DAPT; DES; Drug-eluting stent; Dual-antiplatelet therapy; Stent thrombosis.