Clinical application of argatroban as an alternative anticoagulant for extracorporeal circulation

The authors attempted experimental and clinical use of argatroban as an alternative anticoagulant in left heart bypass with the centrifugal pump, percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to determine if it has complementary effects in preventing thrombus formation without aggravating bleeding tendency. Its reversible binding to thrombin and its short half-life contributed to reduce the risk of excessive blood loss without clot formation within the extracorporeal circulation circuit during thoracic aortic surgery using left heart bypass. PCPS and ECMO were safely performed at doses ranging from 0.5 to 10 micrograms/kg/min to maintain activated clotting time at approximately 200 seconds. Although experimental studies showed argatroban to be advantageous in preserving platelet and fibrinogen, further clinical investigations are necessary.

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

Peer-reviewed research on anticoagulant and antithrombotic drug development relevant to thrombin and factor inhibition. Indexed in PubMed and verified against the NCBI record.

Leech-derived molecules this paper discusses, each with a full profile in the ASH compound registry:

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