Heparin versus bivalirudin for percutaneous coronary intervention: has the debate come to an end?

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the cornerstone of management for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) (1-6). Anticoagulation is routinely administered during PCI in order to minimize the risk of thrombotic events. However, the choice of anticoagulation should be balanced with the risk of bleeding.