Effects of Prolonged DAPT After Lower Extremity Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) in Patients With LE-PAD

Effects of Prolonged Dual Antiplatelet Therapy With Clopidogrel Plus Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) After Percutaneous Lower Extremity Revascularization in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with acetylsalicylic acid plus clopidogrel on the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events and major adverse limb events after percutaneous lower extremity revascularization in patients with lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (LE-PAD).

Inclusion Criteria:

• LE-PAD at stage 2 of Fontaine's classification (intermittent claudication)
• successful PTA of aorto-iliac, femoro-popliteal ore below-the-knee segments

Exclusion Criteria:

• critical limb ischemia
• recent acute coronary syndrome (< 12 months)
• recent cerebrovascular event (< 12 months)
• recent myocardial, carotid or peripheral revascularization (< 12 months)
• recent history of bleeding (< 12 months)
• other indication for clopidogrel therapy
• indication for anticoagulation
• de-compensated heart failure
• malignant neoplasm