Ticagrelor: a safe and effective approach for overcoming clopidogrel resistance in patients with stent thrombosis?

Stent thrombosis is a morbid complication following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Dual antiplatelet therapy significantly reduces stent thrombosis risk. However, the antiplatelet response to clopidogrel - the most frequently used ADP receptor antagonist in post-PCI patients - varies among individuals. High on-treatment platelet reactivity was repeatedly associated with the risk of stent thrombosis. Ticagrelor is a novel ADP receptor blocker that has shown greater, more rapid and more consistent platelet inhibition than clopidogrel. This agent offers a unique mechanism of action, no relevant pharmacological interactions, consistent platelet inhibition, and a good safety profile. This article reviews the prospective use of ticagrelor in the treatment of stent thrombosis in acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing PCI of culprit coronary lesion. Copyright (C) 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.