Comparing Ticagrelor Versus Clopidogrel on Microcirculation

Recently, data (PLATO) from an AstraZeneca study of platelet inhibition and patient outcomes, a Phase III pivotal efficacy and safety study with a duration of up to 12 months comparing ticagrelor 90 mg twice daily dosing to clopidogrel 75 mg once daily dosing in acute coronary syndrome patients on ASA background, have demonstrated superiority of ticagrelor over clopidogrel in the prevention of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events. Currently, the mechanism for this mortality reduction remain uncertain. One hypothesis is a adenosine mediated theory that ticagrelor has been shown to enhance adenosine-induced vasodilation. Several experimental and clinical studies support the hypothesis that adenosine could reduce cardiac ischaemia reperfusion damage. Moreover, recent study has demonstrated that ticagrelor enhances adenosine-induced coronary vasodilatory responses in healthy humans. However, there are no available data on coronary circulation effects after chronic treatment of ticagrelor in patients with ACS who have altered resting coronary blood flow dynamics due to advanced coronary artery disease.

This study is a prospective, randomized, open-label, active controlled study with two parallel study groups.

For inclusion in the study subjects should fulfill the following criteria:

1. Provision of informed consent prior to any study specific procedures
2. Female or male aged 20-85 years
3. All patients with ACS scheduled for PCI will be eligible, assuming their ability to understand the character and individual consequences of participation as well as giving written informed consent.
4. Be able to understand and comply with the requirements of the study, as judged by the investigator.

To investigate the effects of ticagrelor on coronary microcirculation, IMR will be measured twice, 6 months apart in the same lesion, compared with clopidogrel.

The IMR is defined as simultaneously measured distal coronary pressure divided by the inverse of the thermodilution-derived hyperaemic mean transit time (Tmn), or more simply, distal coronary pressure multiplied by the Tmn.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Provision of informed consent prior to any study specific procedures
* All patients with ACS scheduled for PCI will be eligible, assuming their ability to understand the character and individual consequences of participation as well as giving written informed consent.
* Be able to understand and comply with the requirements of the study, as judged by the investigator.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of intracranial bleeding
* Severe hepatic impairment
* Active pathologic bleeding
* Hypersensitivity to ticagrelor or any of the excipients
* Liver cirrhosis greater than or equal to Child class B
* Decreased serum platelet level (≤ 100,000/uL)
* Life expectancy ≤ 1 year
* Need for chronic oral anticoagulant therapy
* Patients with known bleeding diathesis or coagulation disorder
* History of previous intracranial bleed at any time, gastrointestinal bleed within the past 6 months, or major surgery within 30 days.
* Ischemic stroke within the previous 14 days
* Renal failure requiring dialysis or anticipated need for dialysis during the course of the study
* Concern for inability of the patient to comply with study procedures and/or follow up
* Unable to give informed consent.