Thrombin inhibition during PCI in heart failure patients

Abstract

In this retrospective analysis, CHF patients undergoing PCI had a decrease in mortality, bleeding, and transfusion as well as decreased length of stay and hospital cost when bivalirudin was used when compared to heparin. This study suggests bivalirudin may be the preferred anticoagulant for patients with CHF undergoing PCI. Confirmation of these data might entail analysis of patient-level, pooled data from randomized controlled trials comparing bivalirudin to heparin in PCI patients with pre-existing CHF.