Heart stent study aims to cut bleeding risk with shorter blood thinner course

This study tests whether using a detailed imaging tool called optical coherence tomography (OCT) during heart stent placement can allow patients to stop taking blood thinners sooner. Patients with stable angina who receive a stent typically take two blood thinners for 6 to 12 months to prevent clots, but this raises bleeding risk. The trial will enroll 130 people and give them a shorter, 1-month course of dual therapy if OCT shows the stent is perfectly placed. Researchers hope this approach reduces bleeding without increasing heart attacks or stent clots.