Anticoagulation for primary PCI – Cardiology MCQ

a) Unfractionated heparin

b) Bivalirudin

c) Fondaparinux

d) None of the above

If Fondaparinux is used as the sole anticoagulant during primary PCI, there is a higher incidence of catheter thrombosis.

Unfractionated heparin is used in most cases, supplemented if needed, by glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist if needed in case of significant thrombus load. Some prefer Bivalirudin in cases with a higher bleeding risk instead of the above combination.