Vasoactive and Antiarrhythmic Drugs During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

The objective in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is to treat flow-limiting atherothrombotic coronary plaques mechanically. Many types of antithrombotic drugs are used to prevent ischemic complications during manipulation of catheters, guidewires, balloons, and stents in coronary arteries while minimizing the risk of bleeding. However, many other types of pharmacologic agents are also used to facilitate PCI. This review focuses on the most commonly used adjunct drugs during PCI. In addition, a recommendation of which drugs should be stopped or interrupted in patients undergoing PCI is provided.