Optimizing Antiplatelet Therapy in the ACS Patient: Panel Discussion

Faculty

Elliott M. Antman, MD, FACC
Professor of Medicine
Harvard University School of Medicine
Senior Investigator, TIMI Study Group
Director, Samuel A. Levine Cardiac Unit
Brigham and Women's Hospital

Deepak Bhatt, MD, FACC
Associate Director, Cardiovascular Coordinating Center
Staff, Cardiac, Peripheral and Carotid Intervention
Associate Professor of Medicine
Department of Cardiovascular Medicine
The Cleveland Clinic

Stephen D. Wiviott, MD
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Harvard Medical School
Investigator, TIMI Study Group
Associate Physician, Cardiovascular Division
Brigham and Women's Hospital

Needs Statement

This presentation aims to address the central role of platelets in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and the use of both oral antiplatelet therapy and interventional therapy as cornerstones for the treatment of ACS. Topics to be discussed include the pharmacology of approved and investigational oral antiplatelet agents, clinical trial data detailing the use of these agents post-ACS, and upcoming investigational trials of current as well as novel therapeutic compounds. The use of non-pharmacologic interventional therapies is also addressed, including the optimal use and management of drug-eluting stents.

Target Audience

This activity is intended for interventional cardiologists, general cardiologists, internists and other healthcare professionals involved in the management of patients experiencing an acute coronary syndrome.

Objectives

1. Describe the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) as it relates to platelet activation and aggregation and;
2. Identify key oral antiplatlet therapies and their appropriate use in the treatment of ACS.