Use of Antiplatelet Inhibitors in Peripheral Vascular Interventions

In the past decade, a tremendous amount of information has been gathered about platelet function and its impact on percutaneous vascular interventions. Strategies for prevention of platelet aggregation have moved beyond aspirin administration. Powerful oral antiplatelet agents such as ticlopidine (Ticlid) and clopidogrel (Plavix) have been developed to prevent platelet aggregation and thrombosis. The discovery of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor, which is responsible for platelet aggregation, has led to the development of receptor antagonists. These drugs include abciximab (ReoPro), eptifibatide (Integrilin), and tirofiban (Aggrastat). Several large studies have demonstrated that these drugs can improve outcomes in coronary interventions. Because most of the data regarding antiplatelet agents in percutaneous interventions comes from studies of coronary interventions, knowledge of these studies is necessary before using the antiplatelet drugs in peripheral vascular interventions. This article reviews the use of these agents in percutaneous coronary artery interventions and discusses their potential use in peripheral interventions

Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: What We Know, What We Think We Know, and What We Don't Know

Contrast-induced nephropathy is a common but poorly understood problem. A large body of literature devoted to the subject is replete with contradictions and conflicting reports. The purpose of this article is to summarize our current understanding of the problem by reviewing some of the best studies done to date. Recommendations based on the current literature are also provided

Percutaneous Interventions in the Coagulopathic Patient

Interventional procedures in patients with coagulopathies carry a perceived risk of increased bleeding and complications. Acquired and inherited deficiencies of blood-clotting factors, thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction, and effect of anticoagulation are common problems encountered by practicing clinical interventional radiologists. In this article we review common coagulopathies, available data on percutaneous procedures in coagulopathic patients, and recommendations for periprocedure treatment

Sedation and Analgesia in Interventional Radiology

Complex medical procedures requiring the administration of sedation and analgesia are frequently performed in sites outside the operating room. In particular, interventional radiologists must understand basic principles of sedation and analgesia to direct nurses or nurse practitioners to provide adequate conscious sedation. The purpose of this article is to review basic principles of sedation, pharmacologic agents used for sedation and analgesia, practice guidelines, monitoring, and management of common hemodynamic problems encountered during sedation