Timing of Discontinuation of P2Y12 Receptor Inhibitor Therapy for Surgical Procedures. The writing group weighed the current data on the use of P2Y12 receptor inhibitor therapy in patients who remain hospitalized after UA/NSTEMI and are candidates for CABG and retained the 2007 recommendation4 of empirical discontinuation of clopi- dogrel therapy for at least 5 days13 and advocated a period of at least 7 days in patients receiving prasugrel and a period of at least 5 days in patients receiving ticagrelor for their respective discontinuation before planned CABG.8,12 Ulti- mately, the patient s clinical status will determine the risk- to-benefit ratio of CABG compared with awaiting restoration of platelet function. It is the opinion of the writing group that physicians and patients should be cautioned against early discontinuation of P2Y12 receptor inhibitors for elective noncardiac procedures. Given the increased hazard of recurrent cardiovascular events from premature discontinuation of P2Y12 inhibitors and the increased bleeding risk in patients undergoing procedures on therapy (eg, colonoscopy with biopsy, dental procedures), it is advisable to consult a cardiologist and preferably defer elective noncardiac procedures until the patient finishes the appropriate course of P2Y12 receptor inhibition therapy, especially in UA/NSTEMI patients who received 12 months of treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy after deployment of a drug-eluting stent (DES).15 3.2.3.1.3. Interindividual Variability in Responsiveness to Clopidogrel. 