[Platelet aggregation inhibition is equally important both in conservative and interventional cardiological treatment of acute coronary syndrome. Recently, results from three important trial were published. All three proved the efficacy of the combined aspirin + clopidogrel treatment. The basic results of the three clinical trials (CURE, PCI-CURE, CREDO) are summarized in the article. In the CURE trial the combined primary endpoint was reached in 11.4% of the patients in the control group and in 9.3% in the clopidogrel group. The relative risk reduction was 20%. The combined primary endpoint included CV mortality, MI and stroke. The treatment effect was mostly detectable in the prevention of MI and stroke. In the PCI-CURE trial 2658 patients of the CURE trial were analysed. All of them were treated by coronary angioplasty. In this group the primary endpoint (CV death, nonfatal MI, urgent revascularisation) was reached in 6.4% of the aspirin treated and in 4.5% of the aspirin + clopidogrel treated patients. The relative risk reduction was 30%. The CREDO trial investigated patients after coronary angioplasty. The indication of angioplasty was either acute or chronic. All patients received combined aspirin + clopidogrel but only for four weeks in the control group or for one year in the treatment group. The combined primary endpoint was decreased by 26.9%. In all the 3 trials the risk of bleeding was slightly but significantly increased by the combined aspirin + clopidogrel treatment. Clinical application: based on the results of the 3 trials it is concluded that combined aspirin + clopidogrel treatment is indicated in all patients with acute coronary syndrome, independently from the treatment strategy. The treatment should be continued for one year. This is also applicable for all patients treated with coronary angioplasty.]

[In ischaemic heart disease, if the medically treated patient’s anginal complaints and/or ischaemic symptoms are persistent, coronary angiography, and according to its results, coronary intervention (surgery or dilatation) may become necessary. The intervention is required in critical stenosis (>70% diameter) of the main vessels, the emergency depends on the clinical situation. Basic method of coronary angioplasty is the balloon dilatation, other tools (stent, rotablator, laser wire, atherectomy device, etc.) are also available. Periprocedural anticoagulant (heparin) and platelet aggregation inhibitor (aspirin, ticlopidine, GP IIb/III/a receptor blocker) treatment is required, the latter after the procedure as well. After stent implantation the lumen of the vessel is bigger and the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (acute myocardial infarction, repeated intervention, fatal outcome) is diminished. Decrease of serum lipid level improves the outcome of coronary angioplasty. It is applicable successfully for multiple lesions, occluded vessels, stable and unstable angina, in the early phase of myocardial infarction, in patients who underwent coronary surgery, and in old age too. Risk factors of the intervention are: tortuous vessel, significant calcification, stenosis in angle or ostium, luminal thrombus, urgent intervention, old age, female gender, congestive heart failure, unstable condition and acute myocardial infarction. When indicating the intervention, besides the probable results, it is necessary to consider the possibility of complications (myocardial infarction, malignant rhythm disorders, acute heart failure, bleeding, etc.). In left main stem stenosis, 3 vessel disease and in the case of 1 functioning coronary artery surgery would be preferable. With the present facilities the ratio of urgent surgical intervention as well as the mortality is below 1%.]

[The aim of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is to optimise coronary and cardial status, and thus improve short- and long-term outcomes. It is known from large Western databases that stent implantation is performed during 77-85% of coronary interventions, which means hundreds of thousands of patients with new stent every year. The majority of patients need to take dual platelet aggregation inhibitor, namely acetyilsalicylic acid and thienopyridin - most often clopidrogel - following stent implantation. It presents a major therapeutic dilemma when these patients need noncardiac surgery. First, the surgery should be performed with the least blood loss possible, which would be optimally achieved by suspension of the platelet aggregation inhibitor therapy that cannot be stopped during the critical period after stent implantation. Second, stent thrombosis should be avoided, which can only be achieved if platelet aggregation inhibitor therapy is continued. The aim of our paper is to summarise the current professional guidelines and the current risk estimation in the perioperative management of patients with coronary stent. In the second part of the article, we summarise the preoperative preparation of the patient, assessment of coronary status and cardial medication, and the optimal time and location of the surgery. We present the decision principles regarding the risks of perioperative bleeding and stent thrombosis, and the need to continue platelet aggregation inhibitor therapy.]

[Recently the indications of percutaneous coronary intervention have changed both in the ST elevation and in the non-ST elevation, unstable angina group of acute coronary syndrome. Current indications in these groups are briefly reviewed and the outcomes and indications of primary interventions or those following successful or unsuccessful thrombolysis are discussed based on the most recent guidelines. Of the technical aspects, experience of the person performing the intervention, the issue of stent implantation or balloon expansion, and protection against embolism are mentioned.]