Is there a need for "triple therapy"? Role of anticoagulation with dual antiplatelet therapy in acute coronary syndromes (ATLAS Study & TRAP Study).

In the past two decades there has been a succession of advances in the development of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapies to be used in the treatment of ACS. Despite optimal dual antiplatelet therapy, nearly 10-12 % of patients still face a risk of death or myocardial infarction one year following PCI. This large residual risk provides the impetus for the development of more effective strategies. Dual pathway regimens that combine antiplatelets (aspirin and a thienopyridine), along with an anticoagulant such as rivaroxaban may prove to be a therapeutic option in patients with ACS.