Prevention of premature discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with coronary artery stents

This advisory stresses the importance of 12 months of dual antiplatelet therapy after placement of a drug-eluting stent and educating patients and health care providers about hazards of premature discontinuation. It also recommends postponing elective surgery for one year, and if surgery cannot be deferred, considering the continuation of aspirin during the perioperative period in high-risk patients with drug-eluting stents.