The current standard regimen for patients with a bare-metal or drug-eluting stent consists of all of the following (2): Intraprocedural anticoagulation with heparin or a similar agent (eg, bivalirudin, particularly for those at high risk of bleeding) Aspirin given indefinitely Clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor for at least 6 to 12 months The best results are obtained when the newer antiplatelet drugs are begun before the procedure.