Practical issues on the use of enoxaparin in elective and emergent percutaneous coronary intervention.

Unfractionated heparin (UFH) has been the standard choice of adjunctive antithrombotic therapy during elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Evidence is emerging that intravenous (IV) enoxaparin may offer similar benefits to UFH in terms of ischemic events or death, but with the benefit of reduced major bleeding risk. In addition, enoxaparin has pharmacological and practical advantages that can simplify patient management. This review considers the current evidence for IV enoxaparin in the management of patients requiring elective PCI, as well as practical aspects of patient management.