American Society of Hirudotherapy

Direct Thrombin Inhibitor for LVAD Thrombosis: A Closer Look

Review published in Clinical and applied thrombosis/hemostasis : official journal of the International Academy of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis (2016)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewDrug DevelopmentRimsans J et al. · Clinical and applied thrombosis/hemostasis : official journal of the International Academy of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis, 2016

Abstract

Available options for the treatment of advanced heart failure have expanded to include the use of mechanical circulatory assist devices to improve quality of life in those both eligible and ineligible for heart transplant. Although there have been significant advancements in device technologies, anticoagulation protocols, and multidisciplinary team management, bleeding and thrombosis are the most common adverse effects. Management strategies for pump thrombosis and their outcomes vary considerably among mechanical circulatory support centers and include intensification of antithrombotic therapy (medical) and device exchange (surgical). We describe a successful case of medical therapy for pump thrombosis with bivalirudin monotherapy.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsAntithrombinsExtracorporeal CirculationHeart FailureHirudinsHumansPeptide FragmentsRecombinant ProteinsThrombosis

Summary

Available options for the treatment of advanced heart failure have expanded to include the use of mechanical circulatory assist devices to improve quality of life in those both eligible and ineligible for heart transplant.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This article discusses the management of bleeding and thrombosis in patients with mechanical circulatory assist devices for advanced heart failure, noting that strategies for pump thrombosis vary among centers and include intensification of antithrombotic therapy (medical) and device exchange (surgical). The authors describe a successful case of medical therapy for pump thrombosis using bivalirudin monotherapy. The abstract makes no mention of hirudin, leeches, direct thrombin inhibition, leech-derived components, or hirudotherapy. Accordingly, no defensible connection to ASH's domain or the leech secretome can be drawn from this source alone; any relationship between bivalirudin and leech-derived anticoagulants would require external information not present in the abstract.

Citation

Direct Thrombin Inhibitor for LVAD Thrombosis: A Closer Look

Rimsans J et al. · Clinical and applied thrombosis/hemostasis : official journal of the International Academy of Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis, 2016

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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