Meta-analysis: bivalirudin vs. heparin increases risk for MI, stent thrombosis, decreases bleeding

Results from a new meta-analysis have found that an anticoagulation regimen of bivalirudin vs. heparin increases the rate of MI and stent thrombosis while decreasing the risk for major bleeding in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The extent of bleeding reduction with bivalirudin was dependent on concomitant glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor use, according to the researchers.