Antithrombotic drugs in cardiovascular medicine: a year in review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an up to date review of the most recent randomized clinical trials in the field of antithrombotic drugs for cardiovascular diseases. RECENT FINDINGS: In 2017, low-dose anti-Xa treatment added to aspirin proved to be more efficacious than either treatment alone in patients with stable atherosclerotic disease despite the increase in nonfatal bleeding events. Furthermore, anticoagulation strategy during coronary interventions was again tested in a registry-based trial and showed comparable efficacy and safety between heparin alone and bivalirudin. Data from safety trials demonstrated lower risk of bleeding with dual antithrombotic therapy compared with triple antithrombotic therapy following coronary intervention, albeit these trials were underpowered for efficacy. Although still in its infancy, the role of antithrombotic treatment following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has been investigated in small trials with evidence that a single antiplatelet drug may be noninferior to dual antiplatelet therapy with a better safety profile. SUMMARY: In this review, we discuss the most recent clinical trials investigating antithrombotic drugs for cardiovascular diseases published in 2017.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

To provide an up to date review of the most recent randomized clinical trials in the field of antithrombotic drugs for cardiovascular diseases.

Leech-derived molecules this paper discusses, each with a full profile in the ASH compound registry:

Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica

More peer-reviewed studies in Ensayos clínicos.

• Leech Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis — The Landmark RCT — Michalsen et al. (2003)
• Leech-Assisted Flap Salvage — Systematic Review of 277 Cases — Whitaker et al. (2012)
• Effects of hirudotherapy on liver functions, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in rats with metabolic syndrome — Bilden A et al. (2026)
• Efficacy and Safety of Hirudotherapy for Improving Sperm Quality Parameters in Male Infertility: A Randomized Controlled Trial — Abtahi-Forooshani M et al. (2026)
• Reverse Sural Flap Venous Congestion Successfully Managed With Enoxaparin in a Male Patient With a Traumatic Foot Crush Injury: A Case Report — Velasco-Bustamante J et al. (2026)
• Investigation of the therapeutic effects of medicinal leech treatment on lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion injury — Ünal K et al. (2026)
• Efficacy of Medicinal Leech Therapy in Diverse Clinical Applications: A Comprehensive Study from Azerbaijan — Farzali S et al. (2025)
• HIRUDOTHERAPY IN RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY: CASE-REPORTS AND REVIEW — Heinz P et al. (2020)
• Hirudotherapy Efficacy and Complications in the Management of Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review — Foppiani J et al. (2024)
• Hirudotherapy in Wound Healing — Nair H et al. (2022)

Browse all ASH-analysed research →