Update on antithrombotic secondary prevention of ischemic stroke

Over the past decade innovations regarding antithrombotic treatment for secondary stroke prevention have been particularly dominated by the non-vitamin K dependent anticoagulants in patients with cardioembolic stroke; however, several studies investigating other important aspects have also recently been published. This update focuses on new trials on intensified antiplatelet therapy in the early phase of (mild) stroke and transient ischemic attacks (TIA) as well as studies on secondary prevention in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Data from these studies are critically reviewed to demonstrate strategies for clinical implementation.