Low-molecular-weight heparin and other antithrombotic agents in the setting of a fast-track revascularization in unstable coronary artery disease.

Revascularization procedures and particularly percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty are being performed more and more often in patients with unstable coronary artery disease, despite the fact that these procedures are known to carry a higher risk in such patients than in those with stable disease. This article reviews studies that have investigated the potential of modern antithrombotic therapy -- low-molecular-weight heparin, anti-Xa agents, direct antithrombin inhibitors and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors -- to reduce the post-procedural event rate in such patients. The results are promising.