2.2. Procedure and follow-up

PCI was performed according to the treatment guidelines at the discretion of the treating physician. As the study did not specify the PCI treatment type, the interventional cardiologists decided upon the application of predilatation, use of intravascular ultrasound, and selection of a specific DES type. Periprocedural anticoagulation was administered following a standard protocol.^[4] All patients undergoing PCI received a loading dose of aspirin and adenosine diphosphate receptor antagonists before or during the intervention. After the procedure, aspirin was continued indefinitely and adenosine diphosphate receptor antagonists were prescribed for at least 6 to 12 months.^[5] Treatment beyond this duration was provided at the physician’s discretion. Specialized personnel collected data for all baseline characteristics and outcomes using a case report form.