Medications, Angioplasty, and Bypass Surgery

What can be done to reduce blood clot formation and reduce the risk of reocclusion? Antiplatelet therapy After angioplasty, the blood platelets may be susceptible to "sticking together" and forming clots. To reduce this likelihood, cardiologists have historically administered aspirin and a drug called heparin before and after angioplasty. Although these medicines have been shown to reduce the chance of clot formation during and after angioplasty, they have limited effectiveness. Newer medications have been developed to further improve results. Improved outcomes A class of medicines called IIb/IIIa receptor blockers has been developed that reduces blood clot formation during and following angioplasty. The IIb/IIIa receptor blockers act like "bumpers" attached to the blood platelets and prevent blood clotting.