Platelet function inhibitors and platelet function testing in neurointerventional procedures

J NeuroIntervent Surg:  23 July 2014

Over the past decade there has been a growing use of intracranial stents for the treatment of both ischemic and hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease, including stents to assist in the remodeling of the neck of aneurysms as well as the use of flow diverting devices for aneurysm treatment. With this increase in stent usage has come a growing need for the neurointerventional (NI) community to understand the pharmacology of medications used for modifying platelet function, as well as the testing methodologies available. Platelet function testing in NI procedures remains controversial. While pre-procedural antiplatelet assays might lead to a reduced rate of thromboembolic complications, little evidence exists to support this as a standard of care practice. Despite the routine use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAT) with aspirin and a P2Y12 receptor antagonist (such as clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor) in most neuroembolization procedures necessitating intraluminal reconstruction devices, thromboembolic complications are still encountered.1–3 Moreover, DAT carries the risk of hemorrhagic complications, with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) being the most potentially devastating. Read More