ABSTRACT
Direct vascular delivery of heparin (local heparin) in the setting of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) is among the most extensively studied local delivery strategies. A local heparin approach has been employed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of specific local delivery catheters and protocols as well as its efficacy in reducing acute complications and restenosis following PCI. The central role of heparin in the systemic anticoagulation of patients undergoing PCI along with its well characterized antithrombotic and antiproliferative properties,1 make local heparin strategy well suited for this role. This chapter will review the rationale, preclinical data and clinical results from studies utilizing this strategy with particular emphasis on its use in patients undergoing coronary stenting.
