Switching From Fondaparinux to Bivalirudin or Unfractionated Heparin in ACS Patients Undergoing PCI

Switching From Arixtra (Fondaparinux) to Angiomax (Bivalirudin) or Unfractionated Heparin in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) Without ST-segment Elevation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): SWITCH III

The primary objective of this clinical trial is to evaluate safety of switching from fondaparinux to either unfractionated heparin or bivalirudin for patients experiencing acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary angioplasty.

This is a prospective open label, randomized, multi-center registry. One hundred patients who received fondaparinux within the 24 hours prior to presentation to the coronary catheterization lab and who are suitable for percutaneous coronary intervention. The patients will be randomized in a 1:1 fashion to either unfractionated heparin or bivalirudin during the angioplasty. All patients will be followed throughout the duration of the hospital stay.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. The patient is, male or female, > 18 years of age; 2. The patient presents with coronary syndrome, unstable angina or non ST segment elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) defined as at least one of the following criteria:

• Elevated creatine kinase MB or Troponin I or T (above ULN)

• ECG changes indicative of ischemia 3. The patient is scheduled for angiography, with possible angioplasty, evaluation of their coronary disease; 4. The patient is able and willing to conform to the requirements of the study and voluntarily signs an Informed Consent.

  1. ST elevated myocardial infarction within the preceding 48 hours;
  2. Patient weighs more than 400 lbs (181.2 kg) or less than 110 lbs (50 kg);
  3. Patients presenting on or received bivalirudin, GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors or low-molecular weight heparin within the preceding 24 hours;
  4. Patients that received unfractionated heparin less than or equal to 90 minutes prior to fondaparinux administration.
  5. Patients with known conditions of bleeding diathesis or actively bleeding within the previous 6 months (GI bleed etc.);
  6. Known diagnosis of acute bacterial endocarditis;
  7. Patients with cardiogenic shock or required intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP)
  8. If patient is on warfarin (Coumadin) therapy;
  9. Patients who had a major or minor stroke (CVA or TIA) or major surgery within the past 6 months;
  10. Known impaired renal function (creatinine ≥ 3.0 mg/dL (265.2 μmol/L),) status post renal transplant, patients on chronic dialysis or creatinine clearance ≤ 30 ml/min;
  11. A platelet count of less than 100,000 cells/mm3;
  12. Known allergies to fondaparinux, aspirin, clopidogrel bisulfate (PlavixR), ticlopidine (TiclidR), heparin, bivalirudin, or contrast that cannot be medically managed;
  13. Prior angioplasty within the previous 30 days;
  14. Contraindication to low-molecular weight heparin, unfractionated heparin or bivalirudin;
  15. Pregnant or lactating women;
  16. Any significant medical condition, which in the investigator's opinion, may interfere with the patient's optimal participation in the study;
  17. Currently participating in an investigational drug or another device study.