Impact of continued hospitalization in patients pre-treated with clopidogrel prior to coronary angiography and undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting
Kuchulakanti, P.; Kapetanakis, E.I.; Lew, R.; Rha, S.-W.; Cheneau, E.; Satler, L.F.; Suddath, W.O.; Pichard, A.D.; Kent, K.M.; Pakala, R.; Haile, E.; Corso, P.; Waksman, R.
Journal of Invasive Cardiology 17(1): 5-7
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1042-3931 PMID: 15640529 Document Number: 594933
Pre-treatment of patients with clopidogrel prior to coronary angiography (CAG) and possible percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a standard practice. Candidates for coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) are discharged or remain in the hospital until CABG after clopidogrel is discontinued. We investigated whether any differences exist in the rates of surgical complications and outcomes between these two groups of patients. We conclude that continued hospitalization of clopidogrel pre-treated patients does not confer any safety benefit with regard to post-operative complications and 30-day mortality. Discharging these patients after CAG may reduce hospitalization costs.