What are the benefits of bivalirudin and provisional glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockade versus heparin and planned glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockade during percutaneous coronary revascularization?
A randomized trial conducted by Lincoff et al. (2004) showed that bivalirudin and provisional glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockade had a better long-term efficacy than heparin and planned glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockade during percutaneous coronary revascularization. This was demonstrated by a reduction in the risk of death, recurrent myocardial infarction, and urgent revascularization at 30-day follow-up. Additionally, bivalirudin and provisional glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockade had lower rates of major bleeding than heparin and planned glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockade. 