Antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing coronary stenting: The risk of late stent thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: Anticoagulation after coronary stenting is essential to prevent stent thrombosis. Drug-eluting stents, which are the preferred therapy, may be associated with a higher tendency for stent thrombosis. METHODS: Patients who underwent coronary stent placement and presented with late stent thrombosis are described. RESULTS: Eight patients with stent thrombosis are presented. Early discontinuation of the antithrombotic medication is associated with the occurrence of these complications. CONCLUSION: Long-term antithrombotic therapy seems essential to prevent stent thrombosis, especially for patients treated with drug-eluting stents.