RELATIONSHIP OF ANTICOAGULATION AND RADIOGRAPHIC CONTRAST AGENTS TO THROMBOSIS DURING CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY AND ANGIOPLASTY - ARE THERE REAL CONCERNS

Radiographic contrast agents are essential for the performance of coronary angiography and angioplasty. Historical data show that thrombosis-related events have occurred since coronary angiography has been performed. Newer non-ionic agents have been shown to be safer than conventional high osmolar ionic agents especially in high risk patients, but concern has been raised about a potentially increased risk of thrombosis with the use of these agents. A review of basic and clinical evidence for this perception does not support the view that an increase in thrombosis-related events has occurred as a result of non-ionic contrast media use in coronary angiographic procedures.